Indonesia’s FM Highlights Enhanced Solidarity and Integration Among ASEAN Nations

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, underscored the growing solidarity and integration among Southeast Asian nations as one of ASEAN’s key achievements in recent years, during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) held on Tuesday in Vientiane, Laos. Marsudi emphasized ASEAN’s ability to navigate the intensifying geopolitical competition among global powers and praised the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) for fostering inclusive collaboration in the region.

Speaking ahead of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Marsudi highlighted the significant accomplishment of the ASEAN Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which has bolstered regional economic integration and bridged differing political and economic groups.

“ASEAN’s future success will depend on how we respond to ongoing challenges, such as maintaining regional peace and stability, demonstrating solidarity, and strengthening institutional capacity,” Marsudi stated, emphasizing the need for ASEAN to continue prioritizing its principles and playing a crucial role in regional transformation.

The minister also commended her ASEAN counterparts for their support during Indonesia’s 2023 Chairmanship of ASEAN, stating that the foreign ministers had successfully prioritized ASEAN in their foreign policies. “The foreign ministers are not just colleagues, they are my brothers,” she added.

Addressing the Myanmar Crisis

On the critical issue of Myanmar, Marsudi discussed Indonesia’s recent efforts to facilitate dialogue, including convening meetings with Myanmar stakeholders and special envoys in Jakarta. She called on ASEAN to continue promoting inclusive dialogue among all Myanmar stakeholders and stressed the importance of international support for the implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC), aimed at resolving the crisis.

Marsudi also highlighted the need for ASEAN to take decisive action in addressing the worsening issues of human and drug trafficking in Myanmar, while also ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need.

As ASEAN prepares for its upcoming summits, Marsudi’s call for sustained solidarity, commitment to international law, and a continued focus on peace and stability signals the region’s readiness to navigate future challenges.