India Becomes ASEAN`s Partner In Maritime Cooperation

Kuala Lumpur (Antara Bali) - Indonesian president Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has emphasized that India has become ASEANs partner in maritime cooperation.

Speaking at the 27th ASEAN Summit here Saturday, President Jokowi also expressed appreciation for Indias commitment to the maritime cooperation partnership during the 13th ASEAN-India leaders meeting at the Kuala Lumpur convention center Saturday.

The ASEAN-India maritime cooperation will contribute to regional security, the President stated on the occasion.

In addition, Jokowi also sought Indias support on the draft of the East Asia Summit (EAS) Statement on Enhancing Regional Maritime Cooperation initiated by Indonesia, to be approved at the 10th East Asia summit.

As chairman of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for 2015-1017 period, Indonesia wants to ensure that maritime cooperation, which includes maritime security can be achieved.

Apart from that, President Jokowi was also scheduled to attend a bilateral meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, and then attend the 3rd ASEAN-US Summit.

In the evening, President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana will attend a gala dinner, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

All the activities of the 27th ASEAN Summit and other meetings will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

ASEAN comprises Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Laos, in addition to Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. The Philippines, and Vietnam are the other two members of ASEAN. (WDY)