inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized the importance of continued innovation within ASEAN Plus Three (APT) to ensure the cooperation strategy remains relevant to current challenges.

At the 27th ASEAN Plus Three Meeting on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in the Philippines on Thursday (7/23/2026), Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that ASEAN Plus Three has produced various concrete cooperative steps and demonstrated that this collaboration is a major strength in the region.

"The continued relevance of ASEAN Plus Three will depend on its ability to adapt, innovate, and realize concrete results. Therefore, innovation must be at the heart of our collective efforts," Sugiono said in a ministerial speech published by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (7/24/2026).

Sugiono assessed that ASEAN Plus Three cooperation is becoming more important because "ripples from the turmoil occurring far away" are reaching the region, with turmoil in energy markets and supply chains.

Therefore, this cooperation must be able to address and overcome current and future challenges.

Sugiono highlighted the success of ASEAN Plus Three food security cooperation, achieved through Emergency Food Reserves.

He also encouraged the expansion of this success to other sectors, such as agricultural innovation, strengthening the food supply chain, and diversifying food reserves.

Furthermore, he urged that cooperation within the ASEAN Plus Three region remain steadfast in adhering to the principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), which is embodied in the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Outlook (AOIP).

"As ASEAN advances the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, ASEAN Plus Three also plays a crucial role in strengthening ASEAN-led cooperation," Sugiono said.

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