German President calls Indonesia a stability factor in ASEAN

Jakarta (ANTARA) - German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has described Indonesia as an important stability factor in the ASEAN region and appreciated its active role in developing the security architecture in Southeast Asia. “We in Europe are closely observing what is happening in the Indo-Pacific. And we see the important role of ASEAN in developing the security architecture in this region. And Indonesia is an important stability factor within the ASEAN region,” President Steinmeier said during a visit to Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday. According to Steinmeier, Indonesia consistently strengthens its influence and contribution at the ASEAN level, particularly in maintaining regional stability. He said cooperation between Indonesia and Germany covers not only political and security issues, but also various other fields, including environmental protection. The German government hopes that the regional stability continuously maintained by Indonesia can open up new investment opportunities and strengthen economic relations between the two countries. According to Steinmeier, strengthening the regional security architecture will also support interaction and cooperation between business actors from Indonesia and Germany. As a pioneer of the 1967 Bangkok Declaration, Indonesia plays a mediator role in Southeast Asian regional conflicts. Indonesia is the location of the ASEAN Permanent Secretariat Office as the centre of diplomatic administration among member countries. Indonesia also initiated the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community for free market integration, and also drives cooperation in the education sector as well as promoting the enforcement of human rights through the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission.