Foreign Minister Sugiono Affirms ASEAN-EU European Strategic Partnerships Must Create Concrete Cooperation

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. (Rafly/Infomed/Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - Ahead of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN's partnership with the European Union, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that the strategic partnership between the two parties must have a concrete impact.

This was conveyed by the Indonesian Foreign Minister in the ASEAN EU Ministerial Lunch on the sidelines of the EU series Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum on November 20, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium, Thursday.

"We must not stop at the discussion on the alignment of ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. What is more important is to realize concrete cooperation," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saturday, November 22.

AOIP is ASEAN's strategic vision to keep the Indo-Pacific region peaceful, stable, and prosperous through inclusive cooperation.

AOIP is also a constructive response to the dynamics of strategy and competition for great strength that has the potential to affect regional stability.

Indonesia itself is the main initiator and driver of AOIP in ASEAN.

On this occasion, Foreign Minister Sugiono also expressed hope that the signing of the Indonesia EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) could be realized immediately.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister assessed that the agreement would strengthen market openness between the two regions, especially in the midst of the increasing trend of protectionism.

To the Foreign Ministers of Member States of the European Union and ASEAN, Foreign Minister Sugiono also again highlighted the humanitarian conditions in Palestine and called for Two-State Solution support for Palestinian independence.

"By working together, we can ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains a peaceful, stable and prosperous area for all," the Indonesian Foreign Minister tweeted in a post on social media X.

It is known that the ASEAN and EU partnerships began in 1977 and will reach its 50th age in 2027. This Ministerial Level meeting reflects recognition of ASEAN's role in the regional order of the Indo-Pacific region, as well as affirming the commitment of both parties to strengthen relations and strategic cooperation in the future.