Indonesia Emphasizes Principles-Based ASEAN-US Partnership at Post-Ministerial Conference
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Sugiono, reaffirmed the importance of a principled and law-based partnership between the United States and ASEAN, stressing that both parties must remain committed to peace, development, and upholding international law.
“As a partner for peace, our partnership must also stand firm on principle. Upholding international law must remain our collective commitment,” Minister Sugiono stated while addressing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the American delegation during the ASEAN-US Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday, July 10.
According to an official statement released by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, the Foreign Minister emphasized that the consistent application of international law would enhance the credibility of shared values and help build mutual trust among nations.
Highlighting the progress of the ASEAN-US partnership, Sugiono noted that cooperation in development and economic growth continues to bring tangible benefits to communities across both regions. He pointed to key milestones such as the establishment of the ASEAN-US Center in Washington, D.C., in 2023 and bipartisan support for the ASEAN Act, which has further deepened engagement between the two sides.
“ASEAN also hopes the US will continue to support open, fair, and mutually beneficial trade, including through existing mechanisms such as the ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement,” Sugiono added.
The minister also highlighted the role of education in strengthening people-to-people ties, citing the more than 8,000 Indonesian students currently studying in the United States. He described these students as strategic bridges in the ASEAN-US relationship and called for more inclusive and facilitative visa policies that reflect the long-term value of educational exchange.
Turning to global humanitarian issues, Minister Sugiono urged the United States and the international community to take concrete steps to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has persisted since the onset of Israeli military operations in October 2023.
“Indonesia reiterates its urgent call for a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and a credible path toward a two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN resolutions,” he stressed.
The ASEAN-US PMC forms part of a broader series of engagements under the ASEAN Regional Forum, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
