The President of The Republic of Indonesia website has published a release saying that President Joko Widodo officially closed the 43rd ASEAN Summit on Thursday, 7 September 2023. In the closing ceremony, the President expressed his high appreciation to all leaders and said that the summit produced dozens of documents and concrete cooperation.
“During these three days, 12-summit meetings have been held, producing 90-outcome documents and a number of concrete agreements with partners,” said the President.
During the meeting, President Jokowi continued, he captured the optimism and positive energy of all the leaders present. According to him, this strengthens hope and enthusiasm to continue the struggle to create a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
“Let’s strengthen the Indo-Pacific region as a theatre of peace and inclusiveness,” he added.
Furthermore, President Jokowi said that peace is the key foundation that will deliver ASEAN to a better future for the people, the region and the world. “This is the essence of what Indonesia’s leadership has built: making ASEAN matters the epicenter of growth ,” he continued.
Nevertheless, the President emphasized that ASEAN’s great work cannot possibly be completed in one chairmanship alone. According to him, ASEAN will continue to face various dynamics and complexity of global challenges.
“For this reason, we must continue hand in hand to navigate challenges into opportunities, navigate rivalries into collaborations, navigate exclusivity into inclusivity, and navigate differences into unity. We have to be the captain of our own ship,” he explained.
On this occasion, President Jokowi officially handed over the baton for the chairmanship of ASEAN to the Prime Minister (PM) of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, who will hold the next chairmanship of ASEAN. President Jokowi also invited all parties to continue to strengthen collaboration and cooperation.
“Let us continue to strengthen collaboration and cooperation for a peaceful and prosperous ASEAN, and make the world a better place for all. “Once again I would like to thank you for your support for Indonesia’s 2023 chairmanship. Thus, I officially close the 43rd ASEAN Summit and other related summits,” he said.
Source: The President of The Republic of Indonesia website, BPMI Setpres
Image: BPMI Setpres/ Muchlis Jr.
