Asean aims for closer ties at special Sydney meet
While Australia has expressed its willingness to help enhance regional security and prosperity at the Asean-Australia Special Summit, Thailand expects the strategic partnership to turn a new page, according to deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha flew to Sydney yesterday while Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, National Security Council secretary-general Wanlop Rugsanoh and PM’s Office secretary-general Wilas Aroonsri also joined the trip.
“Amid the challenges in the relationship of global superpowers in the Indo-Pacific region, and the rapid changes resulting in uncertainty in the region, [we hope] to create strategic alternatives for Asean and Thailand, while Australia wants to promote regional security and prosperity through this event as well,” Lt Gen Werachon said.
Running until tomorrow, the special summit will have two outcome documents: the Sydney Declaration, which reflects the leaders’ vision in promoting regional security and prosperity, and the Asean-Australia MoU on Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism.
There are also 12 proposed initiatives of mutual interest to be announced. These include the Asean-Australia Digital Trade Standards Cooperation Initiative, the Asean-Australia Smart and Sustainable Cities Cooperation Initiative, and the Australia–Asean Cyber Policy Dialogue Cooperation Initiative.
“The summit is a good opportunity for Asean and Australia to advance their strategic partnership in various dimensions, promote bilateral trade and investment, work hand-in-hand in solving non-traditional security issues, and deepen peopleto-people connectivity,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
“In addition, Asean-Australia cooperation will also help strengthen stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, further develop regional connectivity and enhance regional architecture through Asean centrality.”
This is the first time Australia has hosted Asean. The focus is expected to be on trade and security.
Side events include a business summit and a counter-terrorism conference.
Speaking at yesterday’s business forum, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stressed the importance of free trade and bolstering business ties with Southeast Asia.
“Australia will continue to work with our closest neighbours in the region. You don’t grow stronger by closing the door to other markets,” he said.
“Protectionism is a dead end. It is not a ladder to get you out of the low-growth trap, it is a shovel to dig it much deeper.”
Prior to the Asean-Australia Special Summit, Asean foreign ministers issued statements earlier this week welcoming the latest developments on the Korean Peninsula.
This relates to plans for an inter-Korean summit and a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the near future.