The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit commenced on Tuesday in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. In his welcoming address, Indonesian President Joko Widodo underscored the significance of upholding the unity and equality of all member nations within the organization.
"I want to emphasize that ASEAN's unity remains in a robust state. The equality I observe here is a rarity in the world. Many injustices and conflicts arise due to a lack of equality," stated Widodo during his televised address, as reported by the presidential administration.
Widodo stressed that ASEAN should not serve as a platform representing the interests of any global power. Instead, he emphasized that ASEAN should unite to address common regional and global challenges, striving to uphold stability and prosperity.
The ASEAN Summit and associated meetings, which include representatives from invited states and regions, will be ongoing in Jakarta until September 7. The agenda covers discussions on integration, enhanced cooperation in specific areas, and regional matters. Key topics expected to be addressed during these meetings include the crisis in Myanmar and the situation surrounding disputed waters in the South China Sea, which some countries contest.
On the sidelines of the summit, expectedly on Wednesday and Thursday, ASEAN will hold partnership meetings with several countries. Among the notable attendees will be Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of China, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan, President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and others who will be visiting Indonesia. Jakarta is set to host the East Asia Summit on September 7.
ASEAN, founded in 1967, comprises 10 member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
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Based on materials from TASS