Jokowi Hopes Asean-US Partnership Can Contribute to World Peace, Prosperity
Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo expressed hope on Monday (13/11) that a partnership between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United States can contribute to world peace and prosperity, considering that the agreement includes political, security and economic cooperation.
"The United States is one of Asean's important partners. I'm certain the United States also views Asean in high regard, whether it's on politics, security or economy cooperation," Jokowi said during Asean-US Summit in Manila, as quoted in a statement released by the Presidential Office Press Bureau.
During their 40th anniversary commemorative summit in Manila on Monday, Asean and the United States both expressed the desire to seek stronger economic engagement and enhanced cooperation in addressing transnational challenges, particularly through the Asean-US strategic partnership.
In a joint statement, Asean leaders and US President Donald Trump expressed their commitments to "shared prosperity based on sustainable, inclusive economic growth and mutual benefit" and to "curtailing the threat of terrorism and violent extremism through information sharing and law enforcement cooperation."
The latter includes engaging the Southeast Asia Aviation and Border Security Program and strengthening data exchange with Interpol.
According to the statement, economic engagement will be pursued through programs such as US-Asean Connectivity Through Trade and Investment (ACTI).
In his opening remarks during the meeting, President Trump said the United States is committed to Asean's "central role as a regional forum for total cooperation."
"This diplomatic partnership advances the security and prosperity of the American people and the people of all Indo-Pacific nations," he said.
Trump has advanced his "America First" rhetoric since taking office in January, and continued to emphasize on multiple occasions that he will no longer allow anyone to take advantage of the United States.
During his speech to leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit on Friday, he said the United States would "no longer tolerate" unfair trade, closed markets and intellectual property theft.
During the Asean-US Commemorative Summit, Jokowi expressed optimism that Asean will continue to play its role as one of the United States' strategic partners, especially due to the regional bloc's economic potential and stability.
"I am sure that President Trump will view our economic cooperation in a larger context, with win-win cooperation in mind," Jokowi said.
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