Indonesian Foreign Minister Expects ASEAN-New Zealand To Build A Strong And Future-oriented Collaboration

The Indonesian Foreign Minister while attending PMC ASEAN - New Zealand. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono hopes that ASEAN and New Zealand will have stronger and more future-oriented collaborations, affirming Indonesia's commitment to making this happen.

This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Sugiono at the New Zealand Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday, ahead of the 50th anniversary of the partnership between the two parties.

"Over the past five decades, ASEAN and New Zealand have built strong partnerships, based on shared aspirations for a safe and prosperous Indo-Pacific," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, launching a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, July 10.

Foreign Minister Sugiono further appreciated New Zealand's consistent support for ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and its commitment to ASEAN Sentrality in maintaining regional peace and cooperation.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister also welcomed the role of New Zealand as a connecting bridge between ASEAN and Pacific countries, especially through the ASEAN Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Dialogue which Indonesia initiated in 2024, and became the basis for efforts to strengthen the area's cohesivity.

He added that ASEAN and New Zealand are exploring an increase in partnership status towards a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

"I look forward to the adoption of the Joint Vision Statement and the implementation of the 50th Anniversary of the Partnership Summit in October, as a new milestone towards stronger and more future-oriented ASEAN-New Zealand cooperation," concluded Foreign Minister Sugiono.