ASEAN-Australia forge initiatives for strategic partnership
THE Philippines welcomed new initiatives to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia.
This year, particular focus was given to the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and its implementing Plan of Action, Australia’s support for the ASEAN’s COVID-19 response and recovery, and its commitment to development cooperation and trade, as well as other priority areas that will enhance Australia’s engagement in the region.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs and the Philippine Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and fellow SOM Leaders in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met recently with Katrina Cooper, Australia’s ASEAN Deputy Secretary for Southeast Asia and Global Partners Group, for the 34th ASEAN-Australia Forum held via videoconference.
The ASEAN-Australia Forum is an annual meeting between ASEAN and Australian SOM Leaders.
Lazaro led the discussions on ASEAN-Australia Political-Security Cooperation.
In her interventions, she highlighted engagement in defense, maritime security and cooperation, transnational crime, and cybersecurity.
“We encourage the development of new programs from ASEAN and Australia alike to deepen our engagements under the Political-Security pillar,” she stated.
She reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for the new Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative, which will further strengthen ASEAN’s relationship with its oldest dialogue partner, a partnership that started in 1974.
During this Forum, Australia committed to supporting the Philippine hosting of the 12th ASEAN Maritime Forum and the 10th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum later this year.
The Philippines joined ASEAN Member States in welcoming Australia’s continued support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
Lao PDR’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and SOM Leader, Thongphane Savanphet, and Australia’s Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade Katrina Cooper, co-chaired the meeting.
