Pat for Jakarta's approach

By Amit Baruah

BANGKOK, JULY 26. In a strong affirmation of support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Indonesia, all 10 ASEAN Foreign Ministers and their three partners, China, South Korea and Japan, issued a joint statement of concern about the most populous South-East Asian nation.

The Chairman's press statement following the ASEAN + 3 meeting also announced that the 13 Foreign Ministers would meet annually to strengthen cooperation. This announcement indicates the growing cooperation among the ASEAN grouping and China, Japan, and South Korea.

On Indonesia, the separate joint statement said: ``The Foreign Ministers commended the approach undertaken by the Indonesian Government in its efforts to reach a peaceful solution to its problems in Aceh and Irian Jaya (Papua) through dialogue and reconciliation consistent with its efforts to maintain the momentum of political and economic reforms.''

``They commended the efforts and measures taken by the Indonesian Government to restore peace and order in these provinces and encouraged the international community to support the Indonesian Government in its humanitarian relief efforts to the people in the need,'' the statement maintained.

``The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed that the stability and prosperity of Indonesia would positively contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Asian region as a whole.''

Clearly, the ASEAN + 3 Foreign Ministers feel that the future of Indonesia is critical for the further economic advancement of the entire region as well as its political stability.

The Chairman's statement also welcomed the Chiang Mai initiative launched by the ASEAN + 3 Finance Ministers meeting on May 3 aimed at promoting cooperation in regional financing to supplement existing international arrangements.

``In recognising the importance of the development in (the) Mekong (River) Basin in terms of promoting ASEAN economic integration with a view to reducing economic disparities within ASEAN, the Foreign Ministers agreed to intensify cooperation and support development projects in the region.

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Section  : International
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