Prior to the closing ceremony of the 40^th and 41^st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen handed over a hammer to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as a symbolic handover of ASEAN presidency from Cambodia to Indonesia.

“Indonesia is honored to be the Chair of ASEAN in 2023. The chairmanship of Indonesia will adopt the theme ‘ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth,” President Jokowi said at Sokha Hotel, Phnom Penh, Sunday (11/13).

The Head of State also stated that ASEAN must be a stable and peaceful region and become an anchor for global stability as well as enforce international law consistently and remain neutral.

“ASEAN must be a dignified region and uphold humanity values ​​and democracy,” the President said.

On the occasion, the President also expected ASEAN to become a fast-growing, inclusive, and sustainable economic region. By strengthening its institutional capacity and effectiveness, he expected ASEAN can face even more difficulties in the coming 20 years.

“All of difficulties must be tackled in the ASEAN way, which is consistent with the spirit of cooperation and entirely implement the ASEAN Charter,” he stated.

In addition, President Jokowi invited the attending ASEAN leaders to attend the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia next year.

“I look forward to Your Excellencies’ presence in Indonesia next year,” he remarked.

Source: Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia

Original publication date: 13 November 2022