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MANILA, Philippines – The World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia is held in the Philippines with the theme “Leveraging Growth for Equitable Progress,”
Joined by the heads of states of the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the Vice President of Myanmar, at least 70 public figures from 20 countries and 460 business leaders gather to share ideas and strategies on inclusive growth.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa talks to Rappler’s Maria Ressa about ASEAN 2015, China and the role of Indonesia and the Philippines in the region.
“The Philippines and Indonesia are two democratic pillars within ASEAN. So as we are now approaching ASEAN Community 2015, it’s even more important two like-minded democracies in ASEAN work very closely,” says Natalegawa.
After 20 years of negotiations, Indonesia and the Philippines are set to sign an agreement on the delimitation of maritime boundaries in overlapping exclusive economic zones – which they believe can be a “model” for dispute settlement.
“This is a very strong message to the region that it is not impossible to find resolution to any overlapping territorial claims,” says Natalegawa.
Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population makes up nearly 40% of the ASEAN community. A founding member and lynchpin of the regional grouping, Indonesia does not want to paint China as an enemy.
“We have to recognize that there is no military solution to this issue,” says Natalegawa. “We, together with China, would want to develop a new kind of international relations where countries can unite – not because of fear of another county. We don’t need a country to threaten to bring us together. It’s a win-win, mutually beneficial type of relationship. When ASEAN comes together and unifies, it’s not meant to be inimical to anyone. So China is a very strong important part of ASEAN, but it must deliver on the commitments on the Declaration of Conduct that we have all signed and worked on.”
Protests in Vietnam pushed China to evacuate its residents, while the Philippines filed a formal protest before an arbitral tribunal.
Indonesia plays an influential role in how relations between the Philippines, Vietnam and China play out. When ASEAN failed to agree on the South China Sea in Cambodia in 2012, one of the few times open conflict reached the public, it was Natalegawa who travelled to member nations to broker a compromise.
“All of us must contribute to overcoming those challenges and opportunities,” adds Natalegawa.
WEF is an opportunity for business and government leaders to come together a year before the integration of ASEAN member-countries.
– Rappler.com
09.15 – 10.30am
10.45am – 12.00nn
- Agricultural Transformation in East Asia
- Transparency for Growth and Inclusion
- Connect on Trade: Lifting barriers to growth
1.30 – 2.45pm
3:15 – 4:00m
4:15 – 5:30pm
- Decision-making in a disruptive world
- Achieving impact through financial inclusion
- Connect on Technology: Eliminating the blind spots
09.15 – 10.30am
10.45am – 12.00nn
1:45 – 3:00pm
- Accelerating ASEAN Strategic Infrastructure
- Connect on Consumption: The Millennial Sustainability Movement
3:15 – 3:45pm
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