In a significant diplomatic development, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono called on the United Kingdom to bolster concrete collaboration with ASEAN nations in maintaining peace and fostering sustainable development in the region.
The ASEAN-UK Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 7. During this meeting, Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to counter transnational crimes, enhance maritime connectivity, and promote green economy cooperation.
Strengthening Law Enforcement Capacity
Foreign Minister Sugiono welcomed the UK’s support in enhancing law enforcement capacity, training, and intelligence sharing. This collaboration is crucial in combating increasingly complex transnational crimes, such as online scams and human trafficking, which pose a significant threat to regional economic stability and security.
- Enhanced Law Enforcement Capacity
- Training and Intelligence Sharing
- Curb on Transnational Crimes
Maritime Connectivity and Green Economy
In the maritime field, Foreign Minister Sugiono stressed the significance of maritime connectivity as a driver of regional growth and resilience. The UK’s long history in maritime trade and navigation positions it as a strategic partner in strengthening ASEAN’s maritime connectivity.
Indonesia also appreciates the UK’s commitment to the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and encourages further synergy in the fields of innovation, green finance, and the digital economy. This cooperation aligns with ASEAN’s regional priorities and President Prabowo’s vision in Asta Cita, which emphasizes promoting sustainable development and digital transformation.
Palestine and Global Repercussions
Foreign Minister Sugiono highlighted the increasingly concerning situation in Palestine, emphasizing Indonesia’s appreciation for the UK’s support for the UN General Assembly resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire and the decision to impose sanctions on Israel.
The minister also underscored that the latest tensions, including Israel’s attacks on Iranian territory, highlight the risk of broader conflict escalation with global repercussions. Indonesia believes that there is a shared responsibility to uphold international law and protect humanitarian law and human rights.
Strengthening ASEAN-UK Partnership
The fifth year of the ASEAN-UK partnership has shown positive signs, particularly in promoting regional stability and inclusive growth. This meeting marks a significant step forward in strengthening the relationship between the two parties since the UK became an ASEAN Dialogue Partner in 2021.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Indonesia’s call to strengthen cooperation with the UK underscores the importance of collective efforts to maintain regional stability and promote sustainable development. By bolstering partnerships in key areas such as law enforcement capacity, maritime connectivity, and green economy cooperation, ASEAN nations can work together to address shared challenges and achieve common goals.