Jakarta, 8 September 2023 (TDI): The 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) was convened in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 7, under the esteemed chairmanship of His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia.
This prestigious summit welcomed leaders and representatives from ASEAN Member States, Australia, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Russian Federation, and the United States of America (U.S.), alongside the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as an Observer.
The Secretary-General of ASEAN also graced the occasion, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic gathering.
In attendance, the Chairs of the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the Pacific Islands Forum offered valuable insights into the regional architecture in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing its contributions to economic growth.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan played a pivotal role in the discussions by encapsulating the key highlights of the meeting.
He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to upholding international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of fostering an international community characterized by cooperation and the rule of law.
Additionally, he expressed Japan’s strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo through force and economic coercion.
He emphasized Japan’s commitment to fostering a stable relationship with China and contributing to regional peace and security.
Furthermore, Japan reiterated its stance on environmental responsibility, particularly regarding the discharge of ALPS-treated water into the sea.
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Prime Minister Kishida highlighted Japan’s commitment to responsible environmental practices, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the environment for the well-being of all nations.
In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Kishida expressed Japan’s dedication to enhancing cooperation through the EAS and other ASEAN-led frameworks.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, a prominent participant in the summit, emphasized its pivotal role in addressing emerging challenges.
Premier Li underscored the summit’s potential to stimulate regional growth vitality, promote strategic dialogue, and advance the construction of the Asia-Pacific free trade zone.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a compelling address during the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS).
Acknowledging the exceptional leadership of President Joko Widodo and extending a warm welcome to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste as an Observer, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the EAS’s critical role as the premier leaders-led dialogue and cooperation platform in the Indo-Pacific region.
Highlighting the importance of ASEAN centrality, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s full support for the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific” and underscored the alignment between India’s vision and that of ASEAN for the Indo-Pacific region.
He emphasized the pivotal role of the EAS in implementing the “Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative” and noted the complementary nature of the QUAD’s positive agenda with ASEAN’s various mechanisms.
Furthermore, he emphasized that peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region benefit all nations.
The EAS countries collectively reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the EAS as a forum for dialogue and cooperation on a wide spectrum of strategic, political, and economic matters of common interest and concern.
The summit saw the adoption of the EAS Leaders’ Statement on Maintaining and Promoting the Region as an Epicenter of Growth and comprehensive discussions on regional and international issues.
Furthermore, the leaders reviewed the EAS Plan of Action (POA) 2018-2022 and welcomed the adoption of the new EAS POA, outlining priorities and initiatives for the next five years.
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