Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The 43rd ASEAN Summit concluded with a resounding sense of optimism and a renewed commitment to positive cooperation among Southeast Asian nations and their partners. Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo extended his appreciation to all the participating state leaders and delegations during the closing ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Thursday afternoon, September 7, 2023.
"Over the course of these three days, we have convened 12 summit meetings, resulting in the production of 90 significant outcome documents and numerous concrete agreements with our valued partners. Throughout these discussions, I couldn't help but notice the prevailing sense of optimism and positive energy among all the participants. This reinforces our hope and strengthens our resolve to continue our collective efforts towards realizing a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region," President Jokowi remarked.
Furthermore, President Jokowi emphasized that the 43rd ASEAN Summit had also served as a pivotal moment to further fortify the Indo-Pacific region as a bastion of peace and inclusivity."This is the fundamental pillar that will guide ASEAN towards a brighter future for its people and the world at large," he elaborated.
The President underscored the essence of Indonesia's Chairmanship, which is to establish ASEAN as the Epicenter of Growth. However, he acknowledged that the work is far from over, as the challenges facing ASEAN are complex and dynamic.
"Our mission cannot be accomplished in a single chairmanship. We will continue to confront a myriad of global challenges, and to do so effectively, we must collaborate, transform rivalry into cooperation, promote inclusivity over exclusivity, and foster unity amidst diversity. It is imperative that we steer our own course, and now, it is time to pass the baton of chairmanship to Laos," the President concluded.
(ta/hn/nm)