Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono outlined the importance of strengthening the partnership between ASEAN and the United States (US), as an anchor of regional stability and development, through policy certainty and consistency in cooperation.At the annual ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday (July 22), he emphasized that ASEAN-US relations should not be overshadowed by uncertainty, particularly as the partnership nears its 50th anniversary in 2027.”This is why we work together: To strengthen security, maintain maritime stability, and shared prosperity,” he remarked in a statement confirmed on Thursday.According to him, ASEAN views cooperation with the US as crucial, given that the country is the largest source of investment and trading partner for the Southeast Asian region.Both parties also share the priority of ensuring trade stability, supply chain resilience, and broad market access for commodities critical to production.Thus, strengthening people-to-people and business-to-business relations is key to maintaining ASEAN-US cooperation, particularly through the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) and the ASEAN-US Center, in strategic sectors such as the digital economy, he said.Sugiono then drew attention to the importance of strengthening collaboration in joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes that have become more prevalent due to advances in cyber technology, such as online fraud.”Along with advances in digital connectivity, we also need to ensure a safe and trusted digital ecosystem,” he reminded.Furthermore, the minister also encouraged ASEAN and the US to continue the dialogue and concrete supportive cooperation for the development in the Southeast Asian region over the past few decades.”This is the true meaning of ASEAN Centrality, which continues to be our shared strength. Let this continue to guide future cooperation as we strive to build a more resilient region together,” he remarked.On the occasion, he also emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of multilateralism and international law in addressing the situation in the Middle East, particularly in seeking peace for the Palestinian people and ending the conflict in the region.The US-ASEAN relationship has reached a comprehensive strategic partnership stage since 2022. The total US trade with ASEAN in 2023 reached US$552.8 billion, with US investment in ASEAN amounting to US$28.56 billion in the same year.