Indonesia's Foreign Minister: ASEAN's Resilience Key to Addressing Shared Challenges

In an increasingly turbulent world, ASEAN remains a trusted partner… Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono has stressed that ASEAN’s resilience is the most important key in ensuring the region can effectively respond to shared challenges. “ASEAN’s resilience is the key to effectively responding to crises and challenges in the region at this time,” said Sugiono regarding his participation in the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday. As conveyed through the X social media account @Menlu_RI, monitored in Jakarta on Thursday, Sugiono stated that the ASEAN ministerial-level meeting discussed the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on the region and its communities. In the national statement delivered at this AMM, Sugiono encouraged ASEAN to be more coordinated in advancing stronger internal cohesion and more impactful external engagement in facing the current geopolitical situation. “In an increasingly turbulent world, ASEAN remains a trusted, stable, and reliable partner, as demonstrated by the increasing number of accessions to the TAC. We must also accelerate the process because it is clear that ASEAN is trusted by our external partners,” stated Sugiono. In the same statement, he affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to working together to help Myanmar restore its stability after years of being plagued by civil war, particularly following the granting of amnesty to political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi. Sugiono also emphasised Indonesia’s support for accelerating Timor Leste’s integration into ASEAN after it officially becomes a full member of the organisation and urged ASEAN to accept Turkey as the latest dialogue partner. Under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, the meeting focused on discussions regarding a joint response to the situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on the region. Sugiono will accompany Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday (8/5). Throughout the series of meetings, Indonesia will continue to promote ASEAN unity and centrality in building regional resilience as well as ensuring food and energy security.