RRI.CO.ID, Manila – Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono underscored that strengthening the resilience of ASEAN and South Korea in responding to various crises should become a key focus of future cooperation, alongside efforts to deepen economic partnership and accelerate digital transformation.

"Building a more integrated economic partnership between ASEAN and South Korea is the first step toward strengthening cooperation between the two sides," Sugiono said during the ASEAN–South Korea Post-Ministerial Conference in Manila, the Philippines, on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

During the meeting, Sugiono said the upgrade of the ASEAN–South Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) comes at an opportune time to reinforce economic ties between ASEAN and South Korea.

"This upgrade will make our economic partnership more modern, future-oriented, and more resilient," he said.

He added that expanding digital trade and other strategic sectors would create new opportunities for businesses and the broader public to deepen economic cooperation.

According to Sugiono, digital transformation should also become one of the key pillars of ASEAN–South Korea cooperation, particularly through strengthening digital connectivity and digital literacy. As an example, he said that the adoption of smart agriculture could expand market access while creating greater opportunities for farmers across the region.

Sugiono also highlighted the launch of the ASEAN–Korea High Performance Computing Facility in Jakarta in June 2026 as a reflection of the shared commitment to enhancing ASEAN's capacity in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven research.

Sugiono stressed that regional resilience, peace, and stability can only be achieved through multilateralism, respect for international law, and adherence to the principles of the peaceful settlement of disputes.

"Ultimately, resilience, as well as peace and stability, can only be achieved through multilateralism, respect for international law, and upholding the principles of the peaceful settlement of disputes," the Indonesian foreign minister concluded.