Jakarta (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reaffirmed solidarity with Palestine and called for an end to the genocide in Gaza during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held in Melbourne on March 4-6, 2024.
“President once again emphasized the importance of ceasefire and urged continued support for UNRWA (UN agency for Palestinian refugees),” said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in her press statement transcript on Wednesday (06/03/2024).
In the second session of the Summit themed “Our Vision for the Region and Addressing Shared Challenges,” President Jokowi also stressed the significance of ASEAN countries and Australia upholding international law.
“The rule-based order must be upheld without double standards, and no country should be above the law,” Retno said, referring to Jokowi’s statement.
Regarding the geopolitical situation, President Jokowi urged ASEAN and Australia to strengthen the spirit and paradigm of cooperation to prevent a decline in trust.
“Inclusive cooperation is crucial to fostering strategic trust. The President also hopes that Australia can serve as a bridge for ASEAN cooperation with the PIF (Pacific Islands Forum) and with IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association),” Retno added.
The ASEAN-Australia Special Summit was held to commemorate 50 years of partnership between the two parties.
Australia holds the distinction of being ASEAN’s inaugural dialogue partner and the pioneer in establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the association.
ASEAN, a grouping of Southeast Asian countries, was founded on August 8, 1967, and currently has 10 members, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
ASEAN has, in principle, accepted Timor-Leste as the 11th member and allowed the country to attend all ASEAN meetings, including at the head of state/government level.
