Foreign Minister Sugiono: ASEAN - China Partnerships Must Function As A Peace And Stability Anchor

JAKARTA - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Sugiono emphasized that the ASEAN partnership with China must serve as an anchor of peace and stability.

This was said by Foreign Minister Sugiono when delivering Indonesia's national statement on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto at the 28th ASEAN-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Sugiono said the resilience and strength of ASEAN-China relations that have been tested face various global challenges, ranging from the financial crisis to the pandemic.

"Our partnership continues to strengthen," he said, noting China has been ASEAN's biggest trading partner for six consecutive years, citing a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 28.

Foreign Minister Sugiono further welcomed the signing of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, which he called an important milestone in expanding cooperation in the digital and green economy, supply chain resilience, and empowerment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that economic relations remain sustainable and beneficial for all parties.

"This partnership must also continue to serve as an anchor for peace and stability in our area, especially in our waters," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

On this occasion, Foreign Minister Sugiono expressed Indonesia's appreciation for the support of the Bamboo Curtain Country for the rights of the Palestinian people, and called for collective efforts to end the humanitarian crisis and encourage the realization of a two-state solution.

Closing his statement, Foreign Minister Sugiono stressed, "Indonesia remains committed to building a closer, peaceful, prosperous and sustainable ASEAN-China partnership."