JAKARTA, 26 SEPT – ASEAN Secretary General, Dr Kao Kim Hourn stressed the urgent need to strengthen regional cooperation in dealing with significant maritime challenges in Southeast Asia, including growing geopolitical tensions and environmental threats.
Through a recording of his speech at the eighth Jakarta Geopolitical Forum, Kao underlined that closer dialogue, increased trust, commitment to international law as well as coordination of actions are the keys to an effective response to common challenges.
“We must hold fast to our dedication to foster dialogue, cooperation and peaceful resolution of disputes to ensure that our waters become a source of peace and prosperity, instead of a field of instability, competition, confrontation and conflict,” he said.
The three-day forum, which ended today, was organized by the Indonesian National Resilience Board on the theme Addressing Geo-Maritime Resilience Challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Kao also emphasized ASEAN’s commitment to resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which he described as a pillar of stability in the region.
He also emphasized the importance of acknowledging that many maritime challenges such as environmental degradation, transboundary maritime crime, as well as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, transcend national borders.
“Coordinated actions in this regard are not only appropriate but also very important,” he said referring to ASEAN Framework of Action on Marine Debris.
Dealing with marine plastic pollution requires strong national efforts as well as regional cooperation because marine litter moves freely across borders, he said.
Regarding the issue of IUU and maritime piracy, Kao said that it requires joint efforts from the public and enforcement across jurisdictions.
“A comprehensive ASEAN approach ensures that these common challenges are addressed collectively, with the active participation of all member countries, stakeholders and external partners,” he said.
Southeast Asia is a strategic maritime region, where economic growth, environmental sustainability and security come together.
With 66 percent of its area consisting of maritime waters, Southeast Asia is an important network connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, as well as being an important route for global trade. – Named
