“The main issue we discussed was the handling of transnational crimes. Indonesia is not the only victim; citizens of several other member states have experienced similar cases,” Sugiono told reporters after the summit’s closing ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on Tuesday.
He added that ASEAN member states agreed the issue must be addressed through a collective framework, with several agreements reached to enhance coordination in tackling such crimes.
Another major highlight of the summit was the admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th full member.
This year’s summit also underscored the importance of ASEAN centrality - not merely as a slogan but as a principle to be realized through concrete actions, including strengthening economic, social, cultural, political, and security ties among member states.
In response to the current global trade situation, ASEAN leaders agreed to bolster integrated supply chains among member countries to reduce dependence on any single nation while maximizing each country’s potential.
“Cultural exchanges, as well as student and academic mobility, are also expected to increase among ASEAN members,” Sugiono said.
The summit also addressed the situation in Myanmar, which is scheduled to hold elections in December. ASEAN emphasized that the elections must be inclusive and involve as many stakeholders as possible to ensure legitimacy.
While some have expressed concerns that the elections may be premature, Sugiono reaffirmed ASEAN’s respect for the process and expressed hope that it would be conducted inclusively.
“Whoever is elected, a ceasefire and peace must follow so that Myanmar can resume normal activities at both regional and global levels,” he said.
On the sidelines of the 47th summit, ASEAN also held meetings with dialogue partners including South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
An East Asia Summit was also convened to strengthen ASEAN’s centrality and institutional role in its engagement with partner countries.
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Translator: Rangga, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Primayanti
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