Jakarta, 4 Sep (EFE).- Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, on Monday, appealed to the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) not to let the “many difficult circumstances” in the region affect the “work” at the meeting peak of the block, which will begin this Tuesday.

“We are all aware of how difficult the situation in the region is, but we cannot let it affect our hard work at the summit,” said Retno in her keynote speech at the meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in the Indonesian capital, Thursday.

On the final day before the start of the ASEAN leaders’ summit, which will take place next Tuesday and Thursday, the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs reminded that the “eyes” of people in the region are on Indonesia “to show that ASEAN is still important and vital.” can contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.”

Southeast Asian leaders, led by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, will meet over the next three days in the final round of meetings this year to discuss a wide range of issues.

Leaders must debate thorny issues, including the conflict in Burma (Myanmar), rising tensions in the South China Sea and the struggle between the United States and China for greater influence in the region.

In her speech, Retno praised the progress the group had achieved in the last nine months, including the development of cooperation between ASEAN and other blocs such as the Indian Ocean Regional Cooperation.

However, he emphasized that there is still some homework to be done, especially regarding the situation in Myanmar which has been mired in a social, political and economic crisis since the military coup in February 2021.

“Our presidency has worked hard to push for integrated solutions for ASEAN. “ASEAN will only be able to move forward with full strength if we are able to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution in Myanmar,” stressed the Minister of Finance.

In this regard, he announced that foreign representatives from the bloc would pay special attention to Burma and would discuss the five agreed points for achieving peace, in order to prepare “recommendations” for further discussion by Asian leaders.

In addition to the ten countries that are members of ASEAN, British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak; from Japan, Fumio Kishida, and from Australia, Antony Albanese, as well as the president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The president of the United States, Joe Biden, and the president of China, Xi Jinping, will not be attending the summit.

The United States will be represented by Vice President Kamala Harris, while China will be represented by Prime Minister Li Qiang.