It is important to build a positive paradigm and encourage synergies among open concept initiatives of the Indo-Pacific.
The Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, emphasized the importance of maintaining stability, peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. This he said at the second meeting of the High Level Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific in Prague, Czech Republic on Monday (13/6/2022) local time.
"I reiterate two important things to maintain stability, peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region as I said in Paris, namely the importance of building a positive paradigm and the importance of encouraging synergies between initiatives with an open Indo-Pacific concept," he said. Retno in a virtual press statement, Tuesday (14/6/2022).
Retno said the Russia-Ukraine war had a wide geopolitical and geoeconomic impact on various countries, including in the Indo-Pacific region. According to him, what is happening in Ukraine is only an example or symptom of the serious problems the world is facing.
"Those problems include the loss of mutual trust or a trust deficit, the existence of a zero-sum paradigm, and the erosion of respect for international law," said Retno at the meeting.
Retno also conveyed to the forum that what happened in Ukraine exposed the weaknesses of the post-Cold War regional architecture which was thick with the containment approach. In addition, war also reminds parties in countries in the world to better manage potential conflicts in the region.
"In the High-Level Dialogue I emphasize that peace and stability cannot suddenly happen. This must continue to be pursued and developed," said Retno.
To that end, Retno offered three formulas to achieve security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. First, he continued, all parties must uphold the United Nations Charter and international law.
Retno emphasized at the forum that respect for the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity must be consistently enforced, not selective if only deemed appropriate. Peaceful resolution is also the only way to resolve conflicts. "These are the rules of the game that all countries must obey," he said.
Second, namely the importance of creating an inclusive regional architecture. For example in ASEAN, the countries continue to try to build a collaboration paradigm as a guide in the formation of regional architecture. The United Nations organization in the Southeast Asia region opens cooperation with all countries.
The ASEAN-led processes mechanism with all ASEAN dialogue partners is a clear example of this paradigm. Currently, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific also offers the same paradigm outside the ASEAN region. (kemluri, antara)
