Indonesian FM Calls for Strengthened ASEAN-Canada Cooperation on Food Security

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi has called for intensified cooperation in the field of food security between ASEAN and Canada. In a written statement released by her ministry on Friday, Marsudi emphasized that food security remains a critical global and regional challenge.

Addressing the meeting of ASEAN and Canada’s foreign ministers in Vientiane, Laos, on the same day, Marsudi underscored the necessity of close collaboration among countries to ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food. She highlighted Canada’s vital role as a partner in enhancing the region’s food security.

Marsudi expressed hope for concrete and prompt actions to implement food security cooperation between ASEAN and Canada. She recalled the ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises, which was agreed upon during Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2023.

The minister suggested that the cooperation could be operationalized through the establishment of an ASEAN-Canada mechanism to address various agricultural needs, such as the provision of fertilizers during crises, and through collaboration on agricultural technology to improve the sustainability and resilience of the agricultural system.

In addition to food security, Marsudi addressed issues of women, peace, and security, urging Canada to support the Southeast Asian Women Peace Mediators (SEAWPM), a mechanism for female negotiators and mediators in Southeast Asia.

Marsudi commended Canada for reactivating its humanitarian assistance to Palestine through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). She also urged Canada, represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly at the meeting, to recognize the state of Palestine and support its full membership in the UN, emphasizing that this step is crucial for advancing the two-state solution process.

Last year, ASEAN and Canada elevated their collaboration to a strategic partnership. Indonesia welcomed this enhancement and acknowledged that Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy has been concretely translated into cooperation with the region. Indonesia also anticipates the upcoming ASEAN-Canada Summit scheduled for October.