We are building shared prosperity with ASEAN countries, including through investment: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, focuses on growing two-way trade and investment. This includes the Southeast Asia Investment Fund, which provides up to AUD 2 billion in loans, guarantees, equity and insurance for projects that promote Australian trade and investment in the Southeast. ASIAN.
Other areas of future cooperation were also reflected at the recent Summit, focusing on climate change, clean energy transition, promoting business participation, and global cooperation. maritime and attract the next generation of ASEAN-Australia leaders.
This year, Australia and ASEAN will also develop a new “Action Plan” for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting cooperation goals for the next five years. Therefore, it can be seen that there are many opportunities for cooperation between ASEAN and Australia.
Australian Ambassador to ASEAN Tiffany Mc Donald talks with former Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh on the sidelines of the ASEAN Future Forum. (Photo: FB)
Share common interests
ASEAN has a central role in promoting peace and stability in the region. What happens in the Indo-Pacific has far-reaching effects. The Melbourne Declaration, agreed by ASEAN and Australian leaders, is a clear illustration of a range of regional and global issues that affect the common interests of Australia and ASEAN.
We recognize that ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms are indispensable in forming rules and standards in the region. Australia is dedicated to peace and our top priority is to maintain and strengthen the rules that prevent conflict. Australia will continue to support ASEAN’s leadership in developing and maintaining rules and norms that contribute to the region’s stability and resilience.
In 2019, ASEAN declared the ASEAN Vision for the Indo-Pacific, which clearly outlines ASEAN’s vision for our region. In 2022, Australia and ASEAN issued a Joint Leaders’ Statement on the ASEAN Outlook for the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which reiterated their commitment to key principles of the ASEAN Indo-Pacific (AOIP). AOIP such as ASEAN centrality, transparency, openness and rules-based approach. These are all keys to stability and peace in the region.
We want a region where countries, large and small, have the freedom to determine their own future. Where we operate by the same rules and have space to express our opinions. ASEAN has a central role in promoting, maintaining and shaping a peaceful and prosperous region.
An important aspect of ASEAN’s role to promote peace and stability is collective voice. As Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, the power of ASEAN’s voice “reverberates across the region as ASEAN speaks out on the importance of sovereignty and the rule of law”. Australia welcomes the statement by ASEAN Foreign Ministers in December 2023 on maintaining and promoting stability in the East Sea in Southeast Asia.
We share ASEAN’s concerns about claims and actions that are inconsistent with international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The statement of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers is a typical example of ASEAN speaking out about developments that threaten regional peace and security.
Impressed with Vietnam’s contribution
Australia appreciates its close cooperation with Vietnam. We are pleased to cooperate with Vietnam in the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020. Vietnam has achieved many successes – such as the Hanoi Declaration – although this is a particularly difficult time for the region and the world due to the pandemic. Covid-19 epidemic.
Australia’s bilateral cooperation with Vietnam is also being strengthened through our commitments to ASEAN. During Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Australia in March to attend the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, Vietnam and Australia upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, complementing the partnership. Australia’s comprehensive strategy with ASEAN. Together with ASEAN, we are working towards good results that enhance the stability, security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
In September last year, the ASEAN-Australia High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change and Energy Transition was held in Hanoi and co-chaired by Australia, Laos and Vietnam. Energy transition and climate change are priorities at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
Hosting forums like the ASEAN Future Forum is another example of how Vietnam is advancing our common interests in forming a region of peace, stability and prosperity, with ASEAN at its heart. of these efforts. Congratulations to Vietnam for organizing this important and timely Forum.
