‘Destiny’ – Australian PM makes pitch to Southeast Asian leaders
Australia’s destiny lies in Southeast Asia more than anywhere else in the world, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told regional leaders on the final day of an international summit.
China’s influence loomed over the Asean-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, with nations holding varying attitudes towards claims in the South China Sea and other contested areas.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged differing views among leaders on how best to deal with Chinese aggression but said Asean leaders were united on stability.
“Rather than thinking about what might or might not happen, we should focus on what we want to protect, what we want to ensure, what we want to assure in order to preserve peace, stability and prosperity,” she told ABC TV.
“One of the things we all want to ensure continues to operate is the legal law of the sea, the legal norms and principles that ensure there is freedom of navigation, that trade can continue to operate unimpeded.”
Albanese outlined commitments worth A$61.5 million (NZ$65.7m) to strengthen connections with Southeast Asia, including funding for a cultural centre, university scholarships, professional placements and co-operation on energy.
“More than any other part of the world, Southeast Asia is where Australia’s destiny lies,” he told ASEAN leaders yesterday.
“This is why we will continue to support your Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and ensure the stability and peace of our region.”
He said Australia was committed to upholding sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and independence.
Australia has promised A$36.7m (NZ$39.2m) towards an Asean-Australia Centre in Canberra to build on business, cultural, education and community ties. Some A$12.9m (NZ$13.8m) will be spent on 55 new fellowships for officials from Asean member states and Timor-Leste, in addition to A$6.9m (NZ$7.3m) on creating an Asean Centre for Climate Change in Brunei.
English language training will be provided for people in Timor-Leste as the small nation works towards joining Asean, while 75 new scholarships will be created for emerging leaders to study in Australia.
Albanese began formalities on the final day of the summit by meeting with Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to sign an agreement that includes A$3m (NZ$3.2m) towards dengue fever elimination research.
During the summit, Australia committed more than A$2 billion (NZ$2.13b) to promote business ties, and in excess of A$277m (NZ$296m) to international development, regional security and measures to combat climate change. –