Jakarta – The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, welcomed Moussa Saleh Batraki, Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Wednesday. The courtesy call marked the first-ever meeting between the two Secretaries-General, signalling a new chapter in interregional cooperation.
During their discussions, both leaders highlighted the shared values and common priorities that underpin ASEAN and OACPS. They explored potential areas of collaboration, with particular emphasis on the creative economy, sustainable development, and climate change sectors increasingly recognised as critical to global resilience and inclusive growth.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn underscored ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening partnerships beyond Asia, noting that the association’s external relations strategy is designed to foster cooperation with diverse regions. “ASEAN is keen to build bridges with partners across the globe, and today’s meeting reflects our shared vision of a more interconnected and sustainable future,” he said.
Moussa Saleh Batraki echoed this sentiment, stressing that the OACPS, which represents 79 member states across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, sees ASEAN as a natural partner in advancing multilateralism. He pointed to the creative economy as a promising area for collaboration, citing its potential to generate jobs, empower youth, and promote cultural exchange.
The meeting also touched on climate change, a pressing concern for both regions. With many OACPS members classified as small island developing states and ASEAN nations facing rising sea levels and extreme weather, both sides agreed that joint advocacy in global climate negotiations could amplify their voices on the international stage.
Observers note that this engagement reflects a broader trend of South-South cooperation, where developing regions seek to strengthen ties and share best practices outside traditional North-South frameworks. Analysts suggest that ASEAN and OACPS could collaborate on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint initiatives in renewable energy, digital transformation, and sustainable trade.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue dialogue and explore mechanisms for institutional cooperation. While no formal agreements were signed, both Secretaries-General expressed optimism that this initial exchange would pave the way for structured collaboration in the years ahead.
For Jakarta, hosting the meeting reinforced the city’s role as a hub for regional diplomacy, while for ASEAN and OACPS, the encounter marked the beginning of a potentially significant partnership bridging Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News, UN News, Jakarta Post
