Indonesia, serving as the country coordinator for the ASEAN-Australia Partnership, highlighted the relationship as a critical anchor for regional stability as the alliance enters its fifth year under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.
“This is the embodiment of a real partnership: not just a commitment, but a concrete program that benefits the region,” Sugiono said in a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Trade between Australia and ASEAN reached US$97.28 billion in 2025, while Australian foreign direct investment in the bloc totaled US$1.6 billion.
Sugiono urged both sides to complement strong trade with targeted investment to build long-term industrial capacity, particularly under Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
“Trade reflects today’s economic strength. Investment builds future economic strength. The two must go hand in hand,” Sugiono said.
“ASEAN is not just a market for Australia. ASEAN must be a partner in developing the industries of the future,” he added.
As ASEAN marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2026, Indonesia reaffirmed peaceful dispute resolution, mutual respect and restraint.
“Peace in the region does not arise by itself. Peace must be continuously maintained and pursued together,” Sugiono said.
He also called for stronger conflict-prevention and crisis-management mechanisms, while stressing that regional security architecture must remain transparent, inclusive and centered on ASEAN.
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Translator: Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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