ASEAN member states need to strengthen solidarity: expert

Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should strengthen solidarity, enhance economic integration, nurture the political ties in a deeper manner, and show their unified stance on important issues, President of the ASEAN – Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia network Yose Rizal Damuri said on June 5.

ASEAN members states need to enhance solidarity amidst geo-political and economic challenges

Speaking at the 37th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR), Damuri laid a stress on the important role of the Asia-Pacific, particularly through the ASEAN framework, in handling global challenges.

He held that amidst escalating geo-political and economic challenges, ASEAN needs to put in to place more urgent measures, suggesting the bloc maintain its central role and safeguard the region’s stability, peace, prosperity and resilience.

Regarding the role of the Asia-Pacific region, Damuri said the region has the potential to lead in shaping up a new world order, support multilateralism, seek measure to tackle conflicts peacefully and promote implementation of sustainable development goals for benefits for all people.

The targets could be concretised through ASEAN, he underlined.

The East Asia Summit which gathers leaders from East Asia and Pacific nations could be a starting point to seek measures for economic challenges while the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could promote a comprehensive concept on economic security and resilience, he said.

The 37th APR is organised by the ISIS on June 4-6 under the theme of “Crisis in an Interregnum”. The annual event draws the participation of more than 300 scholars./.

VNA