Asian African Summit (KTT AA) year 2005 had produced several points of understanding. One of them is New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) declaration. The declaration is a concrete form of inter-regional “bridge†with new strategic partnership between Asia and Africa that covers cooperation in the economy, political solidarity and socio-cultural relationship.
Dr. Sri Adiningsih, M.Sc., an economic expert of UGM's Center for Asia Pacific Studies, said that NAASP cooperation can be utilized to improve collective prosperity among Asian African nations. Asian African region is a dynamic, developing region that has become the generator of world’s economic power. In 2010, the economic growth in Asia reached 7.3% and Africa 4%, exceeding world’s economic growth that is only 3.1%.
“If we establish cooperation, it will be very potential to gain big profit because that region is promising. However, preparations need to be made domestically, explore the potentials, and invite the business circle to utilize the existing opportunities,†she explained in “Socialization of the Summit's 55th Anniversary: Role and Benefit of NAASP Cooperation for Indonesia†in Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta, Tuesday (6/4).
The expert mentioned that Indonesia has only utilized goods and service trading cooperation with Asian countries so far. Meanwhile, the cooperation with African countries has not been managed because most of Indonesia's export commodities are the same as those of that region.
Director General of Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, T.M. Hamzah Thayeb, in his speech that was read out by the Secretary, Kenssy D. Ekaningsih, said that the cooperation under the NAASP frame is the medium for member nations to discus and formulate cooperation programs, also an instrument to achieve Indonesia's national interests. “The NAASP can improve political standing and Indonesia's credibility in the world. That can boost Indonesia's bargaining position in the world and help Indonesia play more central role in global community relationship,†he explained.
Further, he said in the event held by UGM's Center for Studies that NAASP opens wider opportunity of cooperation with Asian African nations for Indonesia. With NAASP, Indonesia has more chances to identify available opportunities. “The most important thing for the future is to keep the sustainability and continuity of NAASP cooperation, involving inter-governmental forums, sub-regional organization, and social interaction,†he added.
Drs. Agus Salim, Plh., Director of Foreign Affairs Ministry, explained that Indonesia has conducted various initiatives and programs under NAASP framework. About 20 programs were implemented during 2006-2007. Indonesia also contributed much in the political solidarity program by hosting the NAASP Ministerial Conference on Capacity Buliding for Palestine in 2008 This event is the reflection of Indonesia's real support towards Palestine's freedom and sovereignty.