As part of its commitment to host the CTI-CFF and its commitment to support protected areas for coral reefs with the world`s highest marine biodiversity, the Indonesian government has created a new CTI-CFF regional secretariat building and an ITC centre. This complex of buildings is located in Manado, on the historic site where the leaders of the six coral triangle countries met in 2009 for the CTI Summit and the World Conference on The High Seas. The host country agreement is the main legal instrument that embodies Indonesia`s ongoing commitment and support for ASEAN as host of the ASEAN secretariat in Jakarta. It establishes the obligations and responsibilities of the parties, as well as the privileges and immunities granted by the Indonesian government to ASEAN, including the secretariat, to enable it to effectively carry out its functions and operations. “The host country agreement sends an important message to the world about the importance that ASEAN member states attach to ASEAN. The agreement demonstrates the important role played by the Indonesian government in welcoming 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, ASEAN Secretary General, after signing it. The signing of the agreement on the host country took place in the Pancasila building, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Director General of ASEAN Cooperation, Ambassador Jose Tavares (representing the Indonesian government) and the Executive Director of ASEAN-IPR, Ambassador Rezlan Ishar Jenie (representing ASEAN-IG). The event was attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers, Foreign Ministry officials, members of the ASEAN-IPR Board of Directors and Advisory Board, ASEAN secretariat officials and permanent representatives of ASEAN member states. The Indonesian government has invested $5.5 million in the construction of the 6,084 square metre centre. In addition, the Indonesian government has provided 15,000 square meters of land for the expansion and support of the center. The CTI Centre was designed and built for the central coordination, facilitation and cooperation of the six ITC members.
H.E. Dr. R.M Marty M. Natalegawa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and H.E. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary General of ASEAN, signed yesterday at the Peace Palace the agreement between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and ASEAN on the admission and granting of privileges and exemptions to the ASEAN secretariat. ASEAN foreign ministers, ASEAN permanent representatives, SOMALI heads of state and government, delegates and officials from the ASEAN secretariat, who attended the 20th ASEAN Summit and meetings there, attended.
