TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ten leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states have agreed to adopt the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific concept.

"Last night foreign ministers discussed the matter. Alhamdulillah (Thank God) ASEAN leaders have adopted ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (concept) initiated by Indonesia," Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said on the sidelines of the 34th ASEAN Summit held in Bangkok on Sunday.

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The minister said there are five main points related to the Indo-Pacific; first, the background and reason behind the outlook of the Indo-Pacific; second, key elements in the outlook; third, objective; fourth, principles contained in the outlook and fifth, areas of cooperation.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has underscored the need for ASEAN to have outlook on the Indo-Pacific issue.

During the plenary of the 34th ASEAN Summit, the president attached the significance of ASEAN having outlook on the Indo-Pacific issue amidst the current global uncertainty, Retno said.

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The outlook reflects the centrality and strength of ASEAN in respecting peace and dialog culture and strengthening cooperation.

Indonesia is grateful to other ASEAN member states for their support to develop the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific concept, she said.

"President Jokowi said nearly one year ago that Indonesia began presenting this Indo-Pacific concept," the minister said.

ANTARA