Indonesian Foreign Minister: ASEAN-Australia Must Work Together To Face Economic Uncertainty And Geopolitical Dynamics

JAKARTA - Indonesia is committed to strengthening ASEAN-Australia strategic cooperation, underlining the importance of synergy between the two sides facing global uncertainty.

Speaking while chairing Australia's ASEAN Foreign Minister meeting on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting/Post-Ministrial Conference (AMM/PMC) series in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Thursday together with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Indonesian Foreign Minister emphasized Indonesia's commitment to strengthen ASEANAustralia's strategic cooperation in responding to regional challenges collectively and proactively, in line with the implementation of the ASEAN 2045 Community Vision.

As the coordinating country for the ASEAN'Australia partnership, Indonesia affirms its commitment to continue to encourage relevant and adaptive cooperation on regional and global developments.

"In the future, ASEAN and Australia must continue to work hand in hand to face global economic uncertainty and geopolitical dynamics. Close collaboration will be the key in realizing a stable, inclusive, and prosperous region," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, Thursday, July 10.

He further emphasized the importance of regional stability, and emphasized the need for concrete cooperation in the maritime sector, including preventing conflict and resolving peace disputes in accordance with international law.

"The stability of the region cannot be underestimated. ASEAN and Australia must strengthen maritime cooperation and commitment to the international legal order," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

In addition to regional strategic issues, the meeting discussed strengthening economic cooperation, trade, investment, and relations between communities. Foreign Minister Sugiono highlighted the importance of optimizing trade agreements such as AANZFTA and RCEP as instruments for regional economic recovery and resilience.

"ASEAN and Australia need to expand beneficial and inclusive economic cooperation, to answer global challenges in the future," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

It is known that the Land of Kangaroo is ASEAN's first dialogue partner and has collaborated for more than five decades. Australia's strategic role is considered important in supporting ASEAN's efforts to build an open, peaceful and rule-based architecture of the Indo-Pacific region.

The ASEAN-Australia PMC meeting this time resulted in the Joint Statement on ASEAN and Australia's Shared Future. The Joint Declaration is an important milestone in strengthening long-term strategic partnerships and in supporting the achievement of the 2045 ASEAN common vision.