"Our leaders have identified these sectors as a priority," Sugiono stated before Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday, according to Bernama News Agency.
He emphasized that although ASEAN and China have long maintained dynamic and impactful relations, both sides must translate their partnership into more tangible and fruitful initiatives.
The Indonesian envoy then welcomed progress on the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 agreement, which is expected to be signed by the end of this year, describing it as crucial for advancing rule-based free trade and deeper regional integration.
He also highlighted China’s introduction of a special business visa for ASEAN citizens and the inaugural ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council-China Summit as signs of strengthening strategic ties.
Furthermore, Sugiono underlined that China has been ASEAN’s main trading partner for over 15 years, with total trade approaching US$1 trillion last year.
Beyond trade and economic matters, the minister stressed the need for ASEAN and China to strengthen cooperation in maritime governance and to address shared security challenges, such as transnational crimes.
He also called for the completion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea by 2026 while emphasizing that all parties should only conduct activities in the maritime area strictly in accordance with international legal instruments, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
"Only through this approach can we achieve mutually beneficial cooperation for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region," he concluded.
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Translator: Rangga P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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