Jakarta, 12 April 2022 (TDI): The Canadian Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, is on a visit to Indonesia to enhance ties with the country. Furthermore, the visit marks 45 years of Canada’s status as a dialogue partner of ASEAN.
During the visit, she met Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi. She also met President Joko Widodo. In her meeting with the Foreign Minister, she acknowledged the long-standing bilateral relations between Canada and Indonesia.
The countries boast 70 years of diplomatic relations. Melanie Joly highlighted the extent of the successful bilateral relationship based on mutual respect, common interests, & shared values such as the rule of law, human rights, and democratic governance.
The officials discussed the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability. They held the discussion in the backdrop of the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.
Canadian Foreign Minister noted Indonesia’s leading role in ASEAN’s response to the crisis in Myanmar. Meanwhile, she expressed gratitude to Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi for her advocacy of the rights of women in Afghanistan.
In addition, Melanie Joly attempted to persuade Indonesian leaders to exclude Russia from the upcoming G20 summit. Indonesia will host the summit in Bali, and it is the current President of the multilateral group.
Meeting With ASEAN Officials
The Canadian Foreign Minister also met Michael Tene, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Political-Security Community. In addition, she met with the ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR).
She reaffirmed the cooperation and growing partnership between Canada and ASEAN. The main office of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Melanie Joly shared Canada’s vision for a comprehensive Indo-Pacific strategy with ASEAN officials. The strategy reiterates Canada’s commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Moreover, Foreign Minister Joly and the ASEAN CPR discussed regional issues of common concern. The discussion included Canada’s willingness to work with ASEAN on implementing the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar.
