Indonesia emphasized the importance of a balanced and inclusive partnership with the European Union, aiming to maximize cooperation between the two regions, during the recent ASEAN-EU Post Ministerial Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
A Growing Focus on Sustainable Development and Energy Transition
In the field of economic cooperation, Indonesia welcomed progress made in the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with several ASEAN Member States, including itself. The country also highlighted the ongoing ASEAN-EU relations in other sectors, such as sustainable development and energy transition.
- Joint Working Group on Palm Oil
- Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement
- Indo-Pacific framework cooperation potential
A Call for Mutually Beneficial Policies
Foreign Minister Sugiono stressed the need to avoid unilateral steps that could disadvantage one party, emphasizing that this approach does not reflect the relationship between ASEAN and the EU as Strategic Partners. “The great economic potential of ASEAN-EU can only be realized through mutually beneficial and non-discriminatory policies,” he said.
Global Uncertainty and International Law
Firmly, Foreign Minister Sugiono used the meeting with the EU to state that economic success will be difficult to achieve if the geopolitical conditions of the world continue to be marked by uncertainty. He highlighted the ongoing crisis in Gaza and called for greater EU support for the conflict.
“Indonesia welcomes several European Union countries that provide support to Palestine,” he said, “However, the ongoing crisis in Gaza requires stronger collective action.”
Foreign Minister Sugiono also emphasized that the unresolved situation in Gaza and the lack of law enforcement and accountability are eroding the credibility of the international legal order, which has the potential to spark conflicts in other parts of the world.
A Stronger Partnership for a Peaceful World
Closing his statement, Foreign Minister Sugiono conveyed that the ASEAN–European Union partnership is an important bridge between Asia and Europe. “As two of the most successful regional organizations in the world, we must continue to understand each other and work together to create a peaceful, just, and prosperous world,” he concluded.
ASEAN and the EU have been Strategic Partners since December 1, 2020. The partnership aims to foster cooperation and address global challenges through dialogue and collaboration between the two regions.
In the context of this meeting, the Indonesian government’s emphasis on a balanced partnership highlights the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation in achieving shared goals.
The significance of this partnership lies in its potential to shape a more peaceful and prosperous world, where Asia and Europe can work together to address global challenges and promote sustainable development.