ASEAN-EU Partnership: Equal, Fair, Inclusive – Sugiono
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jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia’s minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, has lauded the significant progress in ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the European Union (EU) and several ASEAN member states, including Indonesia. Speaking in Jakarta on Friday, Minister Sugiono emphasized the crucial role of these economic ties in unlocking the vast potential between the two regions.
Strengthening Economic Ties and Strategic Cooperation
Minister Sugiono highlighted the robust ASEAN-EU relationship,extending beyond trade to encompass vital sectors such as sustainable advancement and the energy transition. He stressed that the realization of the considerable economic potential between ASEAN and the EU hinges on the adoption of mutually beneficial and non-discriminatory policies.
“The big economic potential of ASEAN-EU can only be realized through mutually beneficial and non-discriminatory policies,” Minister Sugiono stated.
He underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation, advocating for the continuation of key initiatives. These include the Joint Working Group on Palm Oil, the Complete Air Transport Agreement, and the exploration of new avenues for collaboration within the indo-Pacific framework.
Addressing Global Geopolitical Uncertainties
However, Minister Sugiono also issued a clear call for the avoidance of unilateral actions that could undermine ASEAN or the EU, emphasizing that such steps would not reflect their status as strategic partners. He pointed out that economic progress is intrinsically linked to global stability, citing the ongoing situation in Palestine and the broader Middle East as a significant concern.
“Economic success would be arduous to achieve if global geopolitical uncertainty persists,” he remarked during his meeting with EU representatives.
Indonesia, he noted, welcomes the support provided by EU countries to palestine.Nevertheless, Minister Sugiono stressed the urgent need for stronger collective action to address the crisis in Gaza.He expressed hope for increased EU support in resolving the conflict, highlighting how the unresolved situation and the lack of accountability erode the credibility of the international legal order and risk igniting further conflicts globally.
“We must not let the disregard for international law and inconsistent policies have serious global repercussions,” he urged.
A Crucial Bridge between Continents
The Minister concluded by emphasizing the vital role of the ASEAN-EU partnership as a crucial bridge connecting Asia and Europe. As two of the world’s most successful regional organizations, he asserted the necessity for continued mutual understanding and collaborative efforts to foster a peaceful, just, and prosperous world.
The ASEAN-EU strategic partnership, established on December 1, 2020, was further solidified during the recent meeting in Kuala Lumpur, which was attended by the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, representing its 27 member states.
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