Indonesian President Joko Widodo called Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members to focus on establishing the region as an epicenter of economic growth.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Summit held in Jakarta, the Indonesian President, whose country is holding the rotating ASEAN chair this year, urged ASEAN to stay united and not be a proxy to any power.
“Don’t make our ship, ASEAN, become an arena of rivalry that causes damages to each other. Make our ship the foundation to build cooperation and create prosperity, stability, and peace, not only for the region but also for the world,” he said.
During the next three days, leaders of ASEAN member nations are expected to discuss issues that would chart the future of ASEAN as a community and an institution.
The 43rd summit will be held from Sep. 5 to 7 in Jakarta under Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year is themed “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” Founded in 1967, ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Source: Qatar News Agency