Armin Hohenadler

„The Host Country Agreement sends an important message to the world about the importance that ASEAN member countries attach to ASEAN. The agreement demonstrates the important role that the Indonesian government plays in opening up and facilitating the work of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat. „We very much appreciate the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. In this regard, we welcome the conclusion and signing of this important agreement,“ said Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary General of ASEAN, after the signing. The Host Country Agreement is the main legal instrument that embodies Indonesia`s continued engagement and support to ASEAN as host of the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. It defines the obligations and responsibilities of the parties, as well as the privileges and immunities granted by the Government of Indonesia to ASEAN, including the Secretariat, so that it can effectively carry out its functions and operations. Turkey`s primary objective in developing its relations with ASEAN is the establishment of a dialogue partnership. However, given that the moratorium is still in force without any sign of lifting, Turkey has asked to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP) with ASEAN in 2015 so as not to lose the momentum of relations. Indonesia originated the ASEAN-DPI during its chairmanship in 2011. The Institute is an ASEAN unit specializing in research activities on peace, conflict management and reconciliation, which organizes capacity-building activities for stakeholders and becomes a network centre among research institutes in the region.

In the future, ASEAN-DPI should propose/recommend a comprehensive solution in the area of peace and reconciliation in the ASEAN region. In addition, Turkey was granted observer status in the ASEAN Multinational Police in 2014. Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr R.M Marty M. Natalegawa, said: „This is indeed an important opportunity that reflects the importance of ASEAN and the commitment that Indonesia and other ASEAN member countries attach to ASEAN`s work.“ Turkey`s bilateral relations with ASEAN countries are also evolving. Turkey`s trade volume with ASEAN countries increased from $1.3 billion in 2002 to more than $8.7 billion in 2016. After the opening of the Turkish Embassy in Vientiane (Laos PDR), Turkey will have diplomatic missions in the 10 ASEAN member countries. . .

.