KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has reinforced its collaboration with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their secretariats. The MoU signing took place during the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta on September 4, 2023.

In her welcoming address, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, emphasized the significance of this cooperation in strengthening ASEAN's relations with countries in the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions.

"Indian Ocean and Pacific countries are an integral part of the Indo-Pacific region. We share the same space, and whatever happens in this region will affect us all," stated Minister Retno.

Therefore, she continued, ASEAN and countries in the Indian Ocean and Pacific must work together to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. It is crucial to prevent the Indo-Pacific from becoming a theater for the rivalries of major powers or a battleground for conflicts originating elsewhere.

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"This can only be achieved if we uphold common values and principles, which include a collaborative paradigm rather than competition, a win-win mentality instead of a zero-sum game, and an engagement approach rather than isolation," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Furthermore, ASEAN and the countries in the Indian Ocean and Pacific share similar challenges and opportunities. Hence, they must unite to address these challenges and progress together.

"Remember, if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. I believe we all want to go far," affirmed Minister Retno.

Consequently, ASEAN and the countries in the Indian Ocean and Pacific are intensifying concrete cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, such as the economy, maritime affairs, and climate change. They are also collaborating to enhance regional resilience and make the region a center of growth.

"Because we believe in inclusivity. We believe in the importance of going the distance," Minister Retno concluded.

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The MoU outlines agreements to bolster concrete cooperation between secretariats in several priority areas, including maritime affairs, connectivity, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), blue economy, green economy, digital economy, and disaster management.

The MoU signing involved ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, IORA Secretary-General Salman Al Farisi, and PIF Deputy Secretary-General Esala Nayasi. The event was witnessed by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh (as Chair of IORA), and the Cook Islands (as Chair of PIF).

IORA comprises 23 member countries around the Indian Ocean, including Indonesia. Meanwhile, PIF consists of 18 Pacific Island nations, with Indonesia participating as a dialogue partner. This strengthened cooperation among ASEAN, IORA, and PIF is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering stability and growth in the Indo-Pacific region.

Editor: Syamsul Azhar