ASEAN HEADLINE: Australian Foreign Minister: Strong ASEAN underpins regional stability and contributes to prosperity
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Photo Australian Ministry for Foreign Affairs
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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has emphasised the pivotal role played by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in fostering regional stability and prosperity ahead of her visit to Vientiane, where top diplomats from the bloc and key partners are convening for meetings.
In a message posted on the Australian foreign ministry’s website before her trip to Laos, Wong stated, “A strong ASEAN underpins regional stability, contributes to prosperity, and reinforces the rules and norms that protect us all.”
Her visit to Laos, part of an Asian tour that will also take her to Japan and the Republic of Korea, coincides with the 50th anniversary of Australia becoming ASEAN’s first dialogue partner.
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At the ASEAN-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ministers will advance outcomes from the Special Summit held earlier this year in Melbourne. Ms Wong will also participate in the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum, which are essential platforms for cooperation on regional priorities.
Ms Wong noted that her travels to Laos, Japan and the Republic of Korea present an opportunity to promote Australia’s interests and deepen collaboration with key partners in pursuit of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
She highlighted the longstanding bilateral relations between Laos and Australia, and said: “Our friendship with Laos is built on longstanding development cooperation and people to people ties, forged over 70 years.” Furthermore, she expressed strong support for Laos as the 2024 ASEAN Chair.
Earlier this year, during Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s visit to Australia for the Special Summit, the Lao and Australian governments agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership.
By Times Reporters
(Latest Update July 27, 2024)
