5-9-2023 (JAKARTA) The 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related summits commenced here on Tuesday, with a primary focus on establishing the region as a center of economic growth.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, as the host of this year’s rotating ASEAN chair, emphasized the importance of unity among ASEAN member states and urged them not to become pawns in any power rivalry.
“We must not allow our ship, ASEAN, to become an arena of conflict that inflicts damage upon one another. Let our ship be the foundation for cooperation, prosperity, stability, and peace, not only for our region but also for the world,” President Widodo stated during the opening ceremony.
Over the next three days, leaders of ASEAN member states will discuss crucial issues that will shape the future of ASEAN as a community and an institution. These discussions will include steps to enhance decision-making processes during crises and emergencies, as well as measures to strengthen ASEAN’s capacity to address emerging challenges in the region.
“As a large ship, ASEAN bears a significant responsibility towards the hundreds of millions of people sailing with us. Despite sailing through choppy waters, as leaders of ASEAN member states, we must ensure that our ship navigates smoothly towards peace, stability, and prosperity,” added President Widodo.
This year’s summit, chaired by Indonesia, carries the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicenter of Growth.” ASEAN data reveals that over the past decade, the average annual economic growth of the region reached 3.98 percent, surpassing the global average of 2.6 percent.
“We possess substantial potential to achieve the status of an epicenter of growth. However, ASEAN must strive harder, collaborate more closely, show greater courage, and move faster. ASEAN also requires long-term tactical and practical strategies that align with the needs of the people, not just for the next five years, but also for the next 20 years leading up to 2045,” emphasized President Widodo.
Established in 1967, ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The ongoing summit provides a platform for member states to strengthen regional cooperation and advance the collective interests of Southeast Asia.
