“Time and again, ASEAN’s unity and centrality have guided us through challenges with resilience and determination,” he said in his remarks at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday.
According to a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the minister underlined that ASEAN’s centrality also plays a key role in resolving the conflict between “our friends” - Cambodia and Thailand.
He noted that under Malaysia’s leadership, open dialogue and consultation have enabled a ceasefire agreement to be reached swiftly.
“We support ASEAN’s role in monitoring the implementation of this agreement while respecting the ownership of the parties involved,” he said.
Beyond internal challenges, the minister pointed out that the increasingly dynamic and unpredictable global situation presents new issues that require stronger regional responsiveness.
In this regard, he emphasized the need for ASEAN to reinforce its institutional foundation to effectively navigate global developments.
He added that ensuring the continued relevance of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), which will mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, is crucial to addressing current and future challenges.
Minister Sugiono also urged ASEAN to deepen cooperation with its key partners and to strengthen the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR), particularly in advancing research and initiatives that promote peace.
He further called on ASEAN to enhance its external relations strategically, including by expanding partnerships in a balanced and measured manner to better respond to evolving global dynamics.
“Our collective efforts must serve one goal: to uphold and reinforce ASEAN’s unity and centrality amid global changes and uncertainty,” he concluded.
Saturday’s ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was part of the 47th ASEAN Summit held from October 26 to 28, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the summit, accompanied by Minister Sugiono and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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