Indonesia to promote East Asia, ASEAN plus 3 co-op: minister

Indonesia would take active action in promoting cooperation between ASEAN countries and other countries in the framework of East Asia and ASEAN plus three, Indonesian newly-appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said in Jakarta on Thursday.

Climate change will also be highlighted in the upcoming ASEAN summit slated to commence on Oct. 23 in Bangkok, Thailand, the minister said.

"The issue of ASEAN cooperation in East Asia pact and ASEAN plus three, with Japan, China and South Korea, will be one of the highlights in the upcoming summit. We would support the efforts to improve the integrity among ASEAN countries in facing the implementation of those pacts," Marty said.

The ASEAN plus three and East Asia pacts are aimed at improving economic and trade between ASEAN and countries joined in the pacts. Besides the 10 countries in ASEAN, the pacts will be joined by partner countries that consisted of Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

Meanwhile, referring to the climate change, Marty said the summit will facilitate discussions on the issue.

"We will share our opinions regarding the climate change problems that occurred in the region. The summit is also expected to create a climate change map among ASEAN territory," Marty added.

Marty, 46, replaced Hasan Wirayuda, a successful Indonesian foreign minister who had been serving for 8 years in the government. And he was Indonesia's ambassador to the United Nations before assuming the post.

Source:Xinhua