Indonesia passes ASEAN baton to Brunei amid cooperation push

ASEAN ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps pose for a group photo during the chairmanship handover ceremony in Kuwait, marking the transition from Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam.

Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Lena Maryana hands the ASEAN chairmanship to Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Kuwait Haji Sulaini Haji Said.

These activities include environmental initiatives in cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), cultural events such as the ‘ASEAN Winter Market’, and diplomatic and sporting gatherings aimed at strengthening people- to-people and institutional ties. She said several programs were postponed due to logistical circumstances, the holy month of Ramadan and regional developments, hoping that they will be completed under the chairmanship of Brunei. She affirmed confidence in the ability of Brunei to lead the committee to more successes, indicating she fully supports the new chairmanship. On the other hand, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Kuwait Haji Sulaini Haji Said expressed appreciation for the efforts of Indonesia, praising what he described as “distinguished leadership” of Maryana over the past months. He disclosed that his chairmanship of the committee is based on the concept of the ‘ASEAN family’, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum and strengthening cooperation among member states through official activities, as well as social and cultural events. He added that the committee will continue to strengthen ties with the State of Kuwait, support joint initiatives, and promote the ‘ASEAN approach’, which is based on consultation and cooperation. He then confirmed his commitment to make sure that the next phase is “productive, smooth and rich in achievements,” stressing his eagerness to work with all members and dialogue partners