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RI to push for inter-continental connectivity at ASEM
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Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir talks to journalists. (kompas.com/Abba Gabrillin)
I
ndonesia will push for efforts to boost inter-continental connectivity at the upcoming 11th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM) in Mongolia, an official has said.
"Indonesia sees the necessity of pushing for viewing connectivity in a comprehensive and inclusive way," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said on Thursday.
The meeting from July 15 to 16 will be attended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla and deputy foreign minister A. M. Fachir, Arrmanatha said. It would also produce two documents: a declaration and a chairman statement, he added.
The Ulaanbaatar declaration would contain a number of points on the strengthening of cooperation between the two regions, as well as plans on the formation of an ASEM center for coordination purposes, Arrmanatha said.
The chairman statement would include input on strategic issues that would be discussed at the summit, such as climate change, trade, sustainable development, information and communications technology, terrorism and other current issues.
In response to questions on whether the summit would discuss the South China Sea dispute in relation to its effect on key trade routes, Arrmanatha said the issue was not included on the main agenda. He insisted the summit, which is held every two years, would focus on efforts to boost the 20-year-old partnership in the future.
At the summit, Indonesia will also seek support to host two future events, namely the first ASEM Youth Entrepreneurial Meeting in October and the ASEM Transport Minister's Meeting next year, Arrmanatha said.
He said a number of bilateral meetings would be held, pending confirmation on the day. Arrangements have already begun with the Netherlands, Myanmar, the Czech Republic, Estonia and Japan, he added.
The forum includes 53 members consisting of 21 Asian countries, 30 European countries and two organizations including ASEAN and the European Union, said Arrmanatha. (ary)
