Foreign Minister Sugiono Values ASEAN-South Korea Complementing Each Other In Building Indo-Pacific

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said ASEAN and South Korea have complementary advantages in building a strong, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region while attending the ASEAN' Republic of Korea Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday.

In a meeting with foreign ministers of ASEAN countries this time, South Korea was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoonjoo.

"ASEAN has strength on a dynamic economic base, cultural diversity, as well as the central and strategic roles in the region. Meanwhile, South Korea excels in innovation, high technology, and strong global networks," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, launching a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, July 10.

Foreign Minister Sugiono further said that Indonesia encourages the strengthening of ASEAN'S cooperation in South Korea in priority sectors such as renewable energy, smart agriculture, vocational education and digital empowerment, especially for youth and MSME players.

Collaboration in these areas is considered important in strengthening food and energy security, encouraging innovation, and preparing the community to face the economic transformation of the future.

In the economic sector, Indonesia affirms its support for the improvement of the ASEAN'Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA) and strengthening connectivity and integration of regional supply chains in order to create sustainable and inclusive growth.

In terms of politics and security, Foreign Minister Sugiono appreciated South Korea's support for ASEAN's Sentrality, especially in the midst of regional geopolitical uncertainty.

"ASEAN and South Korea must continue to be a positive force in the region, by enforcing an open, inclusive and rule-based order through the ASEAN-led mechanism," he stressed.

Foreign Minister Sugiono also reiterated the importance of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. He encouraged continued efforts to create a conducive situation and peaceful dialogue in the region.

The ASEAN-South Korea meeting also highlighted the strengthening of cooperation in various other important sectors, including maritime cooperation, cybersecurity, digital transformation, climate change, disaster management, as well as increased cultural exchange and inter-community relations (people-to-people contact).

It is known that the ASEAN 'South Korea partnership has been established for more than three decades. In October 2024, this relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Following up on this commitment, at this year's PMC meeting, both parties agreed on the ASEAN' Republic of Korea Plan of Action 2026 2030 as a guide for cooperation in the next five years.