Kuala lumpur: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 lies at the core of its renewed commitment to strengthening two-way trade and investment with the Southeast Asia region, which is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040. Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, emphasized the importance of enhancing engagement with Southeast Asia, particularly through rebuilding trust and deepening cooperation, as a key priority for the government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wong stated that ASEAN is central to regional stability, guards against conflict, and reinforces the rules and norms that protect all nations. She highlighted Australia’s role as ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner and a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, commending the regional bloc’s critical contribution to Australia’s aspirations for the region.
Wong also marked Australia’s 70 years of diplomatic presence in Malaysia and expressed her anticipation to meet with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to discuss ways to further strengthen economic, strategic, and people-to-people ties between the two countries. She reiterated Australia’s strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, noting that its theme on Inclusivity and Sustainability reflects shared values and common goals between both countries.
In her statement, Wong reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to working with ASEAN on conflict prevention and its steadfast support for multilateralism, rules-based trade, and international law during the upcoming East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum.
Wong attended the Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings (AMM) at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The session, chaired by Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, was attended by Mohamad, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, as well as foreign ministers from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste.