Foreign Minister Sugiono: The ASEAN-Australia Partnership Is A Source Of Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty

Foreign Minister Sugiono while attending 5th ASEAN - Australia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said there is still room to develop the ASEAN-Australia partnership, which is a source of resilience amid global uncertainty, by deepening cooperation in the strategic sector.

Speaking on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto in "5th ASEAN - Australia Summit" in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Sugiono said ASEAN and Australia were connected by geography and shared principles, as stated in important documents such as the ASEAN Charter and Friendship and Cooperation Agreement (TAC).

Indonesia, said Foreign Minister Sugiono, welcomes Australia's support for the ASEAN 2045 Community Vision, which realizes a shared commitment to a safe, resilient and prosperous future.

He explained that the prevention of conflict, maritime security, counterterrorism and transnational crime remains the basis for political cooperation and security between the two parties.

"We welcome the ratification of the Joint Statement of Leaders on Conflict Prevention and Crisis Management in the Regional Architecture led by ASEAN on this occasion," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister quoting a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wednesday, October 29.

"This reflects our commitment to fostering peace, reducing the risk of misunderstandings, and preventing conflicts in the region," he said.

Furthermore, the Indonesian Foreign Minister said that trade and investment between ASEAN and Australia showed strong fundamentals. Our recorded two-way trade from 2023 to 2024 increased by nearly 6 billion Australian dollars.

While on the other hand, the value of Australia's investment in ASEAN also increased by nearly 2 billion Australian dollars.

"However, there is still room for development and progress that must be achieved," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

"In the midst of global economic uncertainty, our partnership is a source of resilience. We must unite to strengthen the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand and RCEP Free Trade Agreements, ensuring our region remains the main engine of global trade and investment," said Foreign Minister Sugiono at a meeting attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

"Based on this momentum, we have the opportunity to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors, especially in the fields of energy, essential minerals, health and food security," he said.

Furthermore, the Indonesian Foreign Minister invited all parties to mobilize the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Business Network and optimize Australia's Southeast Asian Economic Strategy to achieve common goals, connect financial markets and empower new business generations.

Foreign Minister Sugiono further explained that ASEAN-Australia has a natural inter-community bond, as reflected in Australia's 4.9 million visits to ASEAN last year, indicating dynamic exchanges between regions.

"To build this momentum directly, we must deepen collaboration in the fields of education, sports and art, by utilizing the ASEAN-Australian Center to institutione this strong relationship," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

"Let us now tread this common path, deepen our commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity, as well as build trust that will ensure the desired future for ASEAN and Australia," he concluded.