Indonesia Calls on ASEAN to Deliver Tangible Benefits, Strengthen Regional Stability
Manila, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to strengthen its credibility by ensuring that regional cooperation delivers tangible benefits to its people while reinforcing peace, stability, and rules-based governance across Southeast Asia.
Speaking at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila on Tuesday, Sugiono stressed that ASEAN’s success should be measured by the positive impact of its initiatives on the lives of its citizens.
“The question is not how far ASEAN has come, but whether our people can truly feel the benefits,” he said.
The Indonesian foreign minister identified the preservation of regional peace and adherence to international rules as ASEAN’s foremost priority. He said Indonesia is advocating for the completion this year of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct for the South China Sea that is firmly grounded in international law.
“A region governed by law will always be stronger than one governed by force,” Sugiono remarked, underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to a rules-based regional order.
Sugiono also emphasized that ASEAN’s credibility depends on its ability to safeguard its citizens. To this end, Indonesia has proposed establishing a forum of ASEAN consular affairs chiefs to improve coordination in protecting member states’ nationals during conflicts, emergencies, and other crises abroad.
Highlighting the need for stronger partnerships, he called for more practical, needs-based cooperation between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, particularly in the areas of crisis response, food and energy security, and resilient supply chains.
The minister further advocated for stronger ASEAN institutions and greater resources to support the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 as the regional bloc prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027.
The 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, being held in Manila from July 20 to 24, has brought together foreign ministers from ASEAN member states and representatives of external partners to discuss ASEAN community-building, external relations, and key regional and global issues.
During the meeting, ministers adopted several key documents, including a joint communiqué on ASEAN cooperation, a statement on developments in the Middle East, and documents related to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
ASEAN foreign ministers also agreed to admit Türkiye as the bloc’s newest dialogue partner, marking another step in expanding ASEAN’s engagement with key international partners.
