Boediono states 3 priorities to boost ASEAN's global role

Vice President Boediono says Indonesia has set three "priorities" in developing the role of ASEAN as a global problem-solving grouping.

As this year's ASEAN chair, Indonesia has chosen the theme "ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations" to mark its chairmanship.

According to Boediono, the first priority is to make significant progress in the formation of an ASEAN Community.

"We will do this by continuing and building upon past achievements and by identifying and forging new areas of cooperation in the three pillars," he said Monday during a seminar organized by news media under the Asian News Network, which includes The Jakarta Post.

The second priority, Boediono said, was to ensure that the "regional architecture and environment remained conducive to the pursuit of development in the region".

"Part of this is to ensure that ASEAN remains in the driving seat in shaping an expanded East Asian Summit, as well as strenghthening ASEAN's other partnerships with dialogue partners," he said.

The Vice President said the third priority would focus on charting a "post-2015 vision for ASEAN whereby there will be a more cohesive ASEAN role in addressing global issues".

Boediono also reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment in supporting ASEAN to attain the "three community blueprints".

"In particular, we want to ensure that the development of an ASEAN Community will continue to adhere to the spirit, norms and principles contained in the ASEAN charter," he said.