JAKARTA, May 29 (Bernama) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday paid a historic visit to the ASEAN headquarters in South Jakarta, marking a milestone in the growing partnership between France and the Southeast Asian regional bloc.
The visit coincides with the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-France Development Partnership, highlighting Paris’s continued commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN.
France was officially conferred the status of Development Partner of ASEAN in 2020, underscoring its aim to deepen cooperation with the region, according to the ASEAN Secretariat.
Macron was welcomed by ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn, as part of his regional tour that includes stops in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore.
“With the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, @ASEAN, we share the same goal: peace and prosperity for our peoples and regions,” Macron wrote on X.
“Thank you, Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, for your welcome and our constructive discussions,” he added.
France sees the Indo-Pacific as critical to the shared future of the region and the world, particularly regarding global challenges such as climate change, economic development, and security.
On Monday, Macron stated on X that through strong cooperation and concrete initiatives in defence, innovation, energy transition, and cultural exchanges, France is committed to being a reliable partner and bridge-builder, promoting peace and dialogue in this key hub of global trade and technology.
His three-day official visit to Indonesia, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-France diplomatic relations, concludes on Thursday.
-- BERNAMA
