Page 24 - BUKU STRENGTHENING THE INDONESIAN PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY FADLI ZON

Strengthening Peace and Security

in the Asia-Pacific Region

First of all, allow me to express my appreciation to the National Assembly of Ecuador for the
excellent organization of this Annual Meeting. My delegation and I are very pleased to be in
the beautiful city of Quito and meeting with fellow parliamentarians from the Asia and Pacific
region in this important and timely forum.

Peace and security in Asia Pacific should not be taken for granted. Our region is not immune
from both traditional and non-traditional security threats.

The role of Parliament, hence, is also very central in conflict resolution, peace building and post-
conflict reconstruction. Peace and security requires representation and accountability, and we
have been mandated by those two functions. We are accustomed to hearing people’s concern
and priorities. We have been trained to channeling multiple and multi-layers aspirations
through hearing and debate in our chambers. We also have the mandate to translate the results
into legislations that protect citizens from vulnerability to conflict.

Without peace and security, any country or region would not be able to prosper and ensure
economic development for the benefit of our people. Economic growth and political stability
are deeply interconnected.

Economic development, investment, cooperation may be hampered by uncertainties caused
by unstable political environment. As the Asia and Pacific region continues to be the engine of
world’s economic recovery, it is crucial for countries in the region to maintain regional peace
and stability to attain these goals.

Selected Speeches of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia I 11