"Indonesia is in a position to positively consider the request regarding Turkey's application to become a dialogue partner," he stated at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM), held as part of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
According to a written statement from the ministry, Sugiono encouraged ASEAN to remain open to dialogue with Turkey, even if the proposal "cannot be ratified directly or before 2026."
He suggested continuing engagement through an ASEAN-initiated mechanism, such as open bilateral meetings or other dialogue formats.
The minister views this openness to engaging with Turkey as a prospective ASEAN dialogue partner as demonstrating ASEAN's ability to respond effectively to the ever-changing regional and global situation.
He emphasized that expanding ASEAN's dialogue partners would align with joint efforts to address the increasingly dynamic and unpredictable global situation, where new challenges demand a strong response.
"This certainly requires a more flexible, balanced, forward-looking approach, led by ASEAN," he stressed.
Strengthening strategic partnerships with external parties will also reinforce ASEAN's efforts to maintain its unity and centrality in the region, the Minister added.
In the same spirit, Sugiono expressed Indonesia's support for ASEAN to enhance dialogue and cooperation with Papua New Guinea.
The 47th ASEAN Summit is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26–28, 2025, under the theme, "Forging a Resilient and Inclusive Future Together."
Turkey currently holds the status of a sectoral dialogue partner, limiting its engagement to specific areas of cooperation.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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