RRI.CO.ID, Cebu – Indonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono called for stronger ASEAN cooperation in responding to the impact of the conflict in the Middle East and addressing current regional challenges. He made the statement during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) held in Cebu, the Philippines, on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

During the meeting, attended by ASEAN foreign ministers and the ASEAN Secretary-General, Sugiono also expressed appreciation for the Philippine Chairmanship’s initiative in coordinating ASEAN’s collective response to ongoing crises.

“In an increasingly uncertain world, ASEAN remains a trusted, stable, and reliable partner,” Sugiono said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to him, the growing number of countries joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) reflects increasing international confidence in ASEAN. Sugiono emphasized that ASEAN’s partnerships with its dialogue partners must continue to be strengthened in order to produce concrete and constructive cooperation on issues of common interest.

On the occasion, Indonesia also conveyed its support for Türkiye to soon become an ASEAN dialogue partner as part of efforts to expand the regional bloc’s partnerships.

In addition, he once again highlighted the importance of maintaining stability in Myanmar and supporting Timor-Leste in its accession process as ASEAN’s newest member.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is part of the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings held under the Philippine Chairmanship with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

The meeting also discussed ASEAN’s response to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Sugiono is scheduled to accompany the President of Indonesia at the ASEAN Summit on May 8, 2026.

Throughout the series of meetings, Indonesia will continue to promote ASEAN unity and centrality in strengthening regional resilience, including food and energy security.