Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has urged ASEAN and the People's Republic of China (PRC) to continue to maintain their mutually respectful and mutually beneficial partnership that has lasted 30 years.
"The 30-year period is enough time to build trust between us," President Widodo said at the 24th ASEAN-China Summit, which was held virtually from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java on Tuesday.
ASEAN and China share a common interest in building a peaceful and stable region, including in the South China Sea, by continuing to respect international law, he remarked.
"Our success in building a strong partnership, among other things, will be greatly influenced by how we manage the South China Sea," he said.
In addition, ASEAN and China share a common interest in continuing to build partnerships to improve welfare, he said.
ASEAN does not want to be caught between rivalries that could prove detrimental, he emphasized.
"ASEAN actually wants to develop cooperation in an open, inclusive manner, with all partners in four priority areas, namely maritime, connectivity, achieving the SDGs, and strengthening investment trade," he said.
The President further said he believes that the partnership that has been built for 30 years should be seen as a strong asset.
"If we are successful in this collaboration, a comprehensive strategic partnership will be a necessity," he remarked.
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