The secretariats of ASEAN and the United Nations (UN) reaffirmed their commitment towards strengthening cooperation to help build a more peaceful and prosperous society, at a recent meeting in Jakarta.
The Vietnam News Agency reports that during the 7th secretariat-to-secretariat meeting in Jakarta, the two sides agreed that cooperation to promote regional and international peace and security is a key feature of the ASEAN-United Nations comprehensive partnership.
And this included the UN’s contribution to activities within ASEAN-led mechanisms namely the ASEAN regional forum.
Participants to the event discussed key areas of common priorities highlighted by ASEAN and the UN, including the promotion of human rights; connectivity and integration; economy and development; food and energy security; attainment of the millennium development goals (MDGS) and narrowing the development gap.
Other issues such as human development and social welfare; environment; climate change and disaster risk management; as well as culture and education were also on the table.
The issue of terrorism and violent extremism was also specifically highlighted at the event following the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels, Lahore, Istanbul, Ankara and Jakarta. (Eagle News Service)