6-9-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesian President Joko Widodo, during the opening of the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit, extended an invitation to China, Japan, and South Korea to collaborate with ASEAN in developing its electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. President Widodo emphasized the need for new cooperation opportunities to support green economic development as a future priority.
The APT Summit is a crucial part of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, taking place in Jakarta from September 5 to 7, with participation from 19 state leaders, including those from friendly nations and representatives of international organizations. Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attended the summit alongside President Widodo.
President Widodo stressed the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability to achieve the goal of green economic development. He called for collective efforts to uphold peace and stability in the region by adhering to international law.
Responding to President Widodo’s invitation, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that the time is ripe to establish a new framework for future cooperation between ASEAN and its three partner countries. He emphasized the relevance of the APT, which was formed in 1997 in response to the global financial crisis, in addressing current global challenges, including geopolitical competition, open conflicts, and the climate crisis.
President Yoon highlighted the need for renewed determination to overcome these challenges and contribute to ASEAN’s development. He stressed the importance of facilitating cooperation between South Korea, Japan, and China, which forms the foundation of ASEAN’s development.
He further noted that a united APT could contribute not only to the growth of ASEAN but also to achieving peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.
