Jakarta, July 9 -- Foreign Minister Sugiono has emphasized the importance of joint efforts by ASEAN member states to address global geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics, which are becoming increasingly complex.

He made the statement during the plenary session of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday.

"We are currently at a crucial crossroads. Heightening geopolitical rivalries and the growing trend of global protectionism risk (are) undermining regional unity and relevance. Geopolitical and geoeconomic affairs can no longer be separated," he said, as per a ministry statement received here the same day.

"If ASEAN wishes to remain relevant, it must be able to confront these challenges," he ad...