ASEAN Foreign Ministers to Assemble This Week, Discusses Myanmar

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Foreign ministers of ASEAN country members will hold a series of meetings in Jakarta, on July 11 to 14, 2023. The meetings will focus on the discussion of Myanmar's issues, and concerning security, the economy, and the agitated regional politics caused by the tension between USA and China. ASEAN Ministerial Meeting - Post Ministerial Conference will be attended by 29 countries and 18 associations, including East Asia Summit and regional forums. In addition to the 10 ASEAN foreign ministers, the foreign ministers of ASEAN's speaking partners USA, China, Russia, Japan, India, and the EU will also participate in the meeting in Shangri-la Hotel, Jakarta.

ASEAN, led by Indonesia this year, will focus on eight agendas revolving around security, peace, and regional economic resilience. The 4 days meeting will also emphasize the ASEAN Charter principles; strengthening trust and encouraging the mechanism between Japan, China, and Korea. Further, ASEAN Foreign Ministers will also urge nuclear-armed countries to accede to the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty; finalize the guideline to accelerate negotiations concerning the South China Sea; finalize the drafting of the ASEAN Maritime Outlook; and boost the regional electrical vehicles ecosystem.

Discussion concerning Myanmar frustrated the bloc and will be specifically discussed in ASEAN foreign ministers' retreat. After a military coup in 2021, Myanmar has succumbed to violence and instability. Hundreds of thousands have lost their lives and thousands of people arrested. Arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, and tortures also happen more frequently than before.

Meanwhile, US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken will raise the issue of North Korea, the disputed South China Sea, and Myanmar the regional forum of ASEAN, said his staff concerning Asia-Pacific Daniel Kritenbrik in a media briefing through a phone call on Friday. 

Moscow has confirmed Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's departure to Jakarta, Russia, China's "unlimited partner" has been condemned for his invasion of Ukraine since February 2022.

China's Embassy in Jakarta has not responded concerning the arrival of Foreign Minister Qin Gang, However, Bloomberg's report mentioned the minister has been absent for 12 work days. Japan is hoping for a meeting with China amidst their ASEAN meetings. Both countries have recently dissented concerning Tokyo's plan to dispose of nuclear waste in the Pacific.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi when met at the press conference in Jakarta, Friday, July 7, 2023, emphasized that as the host country, Indonesia will deploy maximum effort so the AMM/PMC meetings run smoothly. "Indonesia is ready to bridge any differences that arise," she said. The result of some of the meetings will be discussed at the 43rd ASEAN Summit on September 2023.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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