The 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conference officially started in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, emphasized the importance of unity among ASEAN nations in the face of challenges.
He didn’t specify the challenges, but there are tensions in the South China Sea, mainly due to China’s recent claims in the disputed waters.
Widodo compared ASEAN countries to a ship navigating through a storm, implying that they need to work together to overcome difficulties.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of the Philippines also attended the Summit and pledged to promote his country’s interests during the three-day event.
Marcos will meet with leaders from ASEAN nations and dialogue partners.
ASEAN includes member states like Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Timor-Leste is an observer and hopes to join ASEAN in the future.
ASEAN has various dialogue partners, including Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States.
The ASEAN Summit serves as the highest decision-making body for the organization and aims to improve peace, security, stability, and regional resilience.
It takes place twice a year, with the hosting country determined by the current chairmanship.
Indonesia will chair the Summit in 2023, and Laos will take over next year.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 5, 2023
