JAKARTA - ASEAN must be able to deal with increased geopolitical rivalry and global protectionism if it is to remain relevant, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugino.
This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Sugiono during a plenary session of the ASEAN Foreign Minister's Meeting (ASEAN Foreign Ministers) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, July 9.
On that occasion, the Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of collective and strategic efforts taken by ASEAN if they wanted to remain relevant.
"Currently, we are at a very crucial point. Geopolitical rivalry and global protectionist trends continue to increase, risk eroding the unity and relevance of the region. Geopolitical and geo-economic affairs can no longer be separated. If they want to remain relevant, ASEAN must be able to deal with all of this," explained Foreign Minister Sugiono quoting a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 9.
In his speech, Foreign Minister Sugiono also reiterated his support for Timor-Leste's full membership process in ASEAN.
"Decisions have been taken at the leadership level. Now is the time for us to make it happen," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.
Indonesia itself has implemented various capacity building programs to support Timor-Leste's readiness to become a full ASEAN member.
At the same time, Foreign Minister Sugiono reappointed President Prabowo Subianto's proposal at the 46th ASEAN Summit regarding the increase in partnership with Papua New Guinea (PNG).
"As an ASEAN observer since 1976, PNG has a close strategic and cultural closeness to the region," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.
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In this meeting, Foreign Minister Sugiono also highlighted the importance of revitalizing the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty (TAC).
"TAC must remain relevant to the challenges of the times, including by strengthening the function of TAC's preventive diplomacy," he stressed.
Foreign Minister Sugiono closed his statement by emphasizing that ASEAN's credibility would be determined by the alignment of the values and suitability of its actions.
"Let's build an ASEAN that is not only tough and cohesive, but also visionary, inclusive, and with a forward view," concluded Foreign Minister Sugiono.
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