Jakarta (Antara) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia play an important role in the Indo-Pacific region, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said, stressing that both sides should focus on security cooperation in the region.
The minister made the announcement during the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with Australian Foreign Minister Benny Wong in Jakarta on Thursday.
Australia is one of the countries developing a strategic comprehensive partnership with ASEAN. Minister Wong will participate in the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meetings on Friday (July 14).
Marsudi affirmed that maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific amid the current geopolitical dynamics is not an easy task.
„We (ASEAN and Australia) need to build an inclusive regional architecture where all parties feel safe and contribute to the prosperity of the region,” the minister stressed.
„Australia can be a true partner of ASEAN and anchor peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” he noted.
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Marsudi also expressed hope that Australia will become a development partner in the Pacific region as he sees the Pacific region as an integral part of the Indo-Pacific region.
„Therefore, there is a need for stronger cooperation between ASEAN and the Pacific, including in areas such as climate action and disaster risk reduction, food security and the blue economy,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Minister Wong, for her part, reaffirmed Australia’s support for ASEAN’s priorities, including the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which aims to promote a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
In addition, he noted that Australia has formulated the 2040 Southeast Asia Strategy to intensify economic cooperation with ASEAN.
„ASEAN’s security is Australia’s security. Therefore, ASEAN’s success is our success. We will continue to promote peace and stability in the region,” Wong noted.
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