Indonesia Urges Stronger ASEAN-US Partnership as Regional Stability Foundation
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasizes the need for policy certainty and consistent cooperation between ASEAN and the United States ahead of their 50th partnership anniversary in 2027, highlighting trade, security, and digital economy collaboration.
Indonesia Urges Stronger ASEAN-US Partnership as Regional Stability Foundation
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono has called for enhanced partnership between ASEAN and the United States, positioning it as a cornerstone of regional stability and development through predictable policies and sustained cooperation.
Speaking at the annual ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday, Sugiono stressed that the relationship between the Southeast Asian bloc and Washington must not be undermined by uncertainty, particularly as the partnership approaches its milestone 50th anniversary in 2027.
"This is why we work together: To strengthen security, maintain maritime stability, and shared prosperity," Sugiono stated, according to confirmation released Thursday.
Economic Partnership at the Core
The Indonesian minister highlighted that ASEAN regards cooperation with the US as essential, noting that America stands as the largest investment source and trading partner for the Southeast Asian region. In 2023, total US trade with ASEAN reached $552.8 billion, while US investment in the region totaled $28.56 billion.
Both sides share common priorities in ensuring trade stability, building resilient supply chains, and guaranteeing broad market access for commodities essential to production processes.
Sugiono emphasized that strengthening people-to-people and business-to-business connections remains vital to sustaining ASEAN-US cooperation. He pointed to the US-ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN-US Center as key platforms for advancing collaboration in strategic sectors, particularly the digital economy.
Cybersecurity and Digital Cooperation
The minister drew attention to the growing need for collaboration in combating transnational crimes that have proliferated with advances in cyber technology, including online fraud schemes.
"Along with advances in digital connectivity, we also need to ensure a safe and trusted digital ecosystem," Sugiono remarked, underlining the security challenges accompanying technological progress.
ASEAN Centrality and Regional Development
Sugiono encouraged both ASEAN and the US to maintain dialogue and provide concrete support for continued development in Southeast Asia, building on decades of progress.
"This is the true meaning of ASEAN Centrality, which continues to be our shared strength. Let this continue to guide future cooperation as we strive to build a more resilient region together," he said.
Middle East Peace Efforts
During the meeting, the Indonesian minister also underscored the importance of upholding multilateralism and international law principles when addressing the situation in the Middle East. He called for efforts to secure peace for the Palestinian people and bring an end to regional conflict.
The US-ASEAN relationship was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022, marking a new chapter in the decades-long cooperation between Washington and the ten-member Southeast Asian bloc.