DILI, 04 september 2023 (TATOLI) – Speaking at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2023, Timorese Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão recognized ASEAN’s extraordinary achievements in terms of security and political and economic stability in the region, saying that the bloc can play a key role in building resilience and stability in fragile states.
He said that ASEAN has built a region with high State capacity, effective governments, the rule of law and public order, and healthy and educated workforces: “It has adopted a people-centered approach that emphasizes tolerance and mutual respect. I believe ASEAN has a role in helping build resilience and stability in fragile States.”
Gusmão emphasized that while so many countries around the world struggle with fragility and unrest, ASEAN provides examples of strong emerging economies that are structured for the benefit of the people.
“We must not only highlight ASEAN’s stability, security, and contribution to global growth, we must ask how ASEAN can help support resilience and stability in fragile States,” he reiterated.
Gusmão said therefore ASEAN can provide models of sovereign development for building strong communities, social infrastructure, and economic resilience.
“The West does not have the answers to global development. While we live in an economically interconnected world, too many fragile States face economic exclusion and poor development outcomes. For over half a century, ASEAN has promoted stability, unity, and peace in our region,” the Head of Government stressed.
ASEAN has shown the world the power of dialogue and what can be achieved when nations come together with a common purpose. And it has shown us the benefits of more inclusive economic growth, where prosperity is widely shared.
“It is important that we recognize the international significance of ASEAN’s success and its ability to build strong and stable nations from fragility and conflict.”
The charismatic leader urged the ASEAN States to contribute to establishing a better international order that is based on a vision of human solidarity and shared prosperity: “An international order that helps fragile States build resilience and stability.”
“I now urge ASEAN to do more – I ask it to look beyond our region and become part of a global network to support fragile States, where democracy and human rights should be the basis of building peaceful States,” Gusmão said. “In a volatile global economy, ASEAN can make an important contribution to building international resilience and stability, through tolerance and human dignity.”
Prime Minister concluded that: “Working together, we can establish a better international order based on a vision of human solidarity and shared prosperity.”
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
