Indonesia Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Strategic Partnership with New Zealand
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono has reiterated Indonesia’s strong commitment to enhancing its comprehensive partnership with New Zealand, particularly through deeper strategic cooperation and collaboration in ASEAN and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The statement was conveyed during a bilateral meeting with the Ambassador of New Zealand to Indonesia, Philip Taula, in Jakarta on Friday.
During the meeting, both sides discussed priority follow-up actions in the framework of bilateral cooperation, including the implementation of the Indonesia–New Zealand Action Plan for 2025–2029.
Minister Sugiono also underscored Indonesia’s readiness to host the 12th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting with New Zealand in the second half of 2025.
“I hope the 12th JMC meeting can identify various deliverables in preparation for the planned visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Indonesia,” he stated, as quoted in a written statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On regional dynamics, the minister and ambassador reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting ASEAN centrality and a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Both emphasized the importance of inclusive cooperation in maintaining regional balance and growth.
Sugiono also highlighted New Zealand’s vital role as Indonesia’s strategic partner in the Pacific region and lauded Wellington’s continued support for Indonesia’s constructive engagement in Pacific regional forums. He emphasized that such engagements must be guided by mutual respect, including recognition of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“I want to reaffirm that as part of the Pacific family, Indonesia will stay committed to increasing its participation in the region, including through regional forums like the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF),” the minister stated.
Furthermore, Minister Sugiono expressed confidence that Ambassador Taula’s deep understanding of Indonesia and the Pacific would contribute significantly to advancing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The meeting marked another step forward in the robust and dynamic Indonesia–New Zealand relationship, with both sides expressing optimism for continued cooperation across a broad range of sectors.
