Jokowi Encourages Bolstering ASEAN-New Zealand Partnership in Pacific

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) attended the ASEAN-New Zealand Summit held virtually through video conference from the Bogor Presidential Palace on Saturday.

President Jokowi began his address by extending congratulations over Jacinda Ardern being re-elected as New Zealand's prime minister.

"I would like to begin by congratulating PM Jacinda as New Zealand's prime minister," he stated.

In his address, Widodo encouraged the intensification of partnership between the ASEAN and New Zealand in handling several issues.

"Today, the ASEAN and New Zealand celebrate 45 years of partnership. In future, I am optimistic of our partnership strengthening, especially in connection with several issues," he affirmed.

Firstly, the president encouraged to deepen partnerships in the Pacific. He attested to the sound relations between New Zealand and the South Pacific nations, and therefore, Indonesia and the ASEAN were also keen to boost partnerships with South Pacific nations.

"Through our good relations, we can strengthen partnerships with the South Pacific, including in the fields of fisheries and climate change. The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific can certainly serve as a basis for developing cooperation with the South Pacific," he emphasized.

Secondly, the head of state assessed the need for the ASEAN and New Zealand to bolster cooperation in multilateralism that is deemed important.

"We have to ensure that multilateralism delivers for all," he affirmed.

Thirdly, as a manifestation of multilateralism, the ASEAN and New Zealand should strengthen regional economic integration that is mutually beneficial. Hence, Indonesia has welcomed New Zealand's decision to sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

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