MELBOURNE – Australia has a unique stake in regional peace, security and prosperity, and it is critical that Canberra remains deeply engaged and embedded in the Asean agenda, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Asean-Australia Special Summit on March 6.
As Asean’s first and oldest dialogue partner since 1974, Australia is an integral part of South-east Asia, and “we are bound by shared history, geography and strategic interests”, said PM Lee, speaking during a plenary session.
Australia is also among the first to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Asean, doing so in 2021.
Even with these longstanding ties, Australia has taken steps in recent years to boost its linkages with the region, a move welcomed by Singapore.
Said PM Lee: “The development of South-east Asia’s future economy and the infrastructure, rules and norms we establish will directly impact Australia’s own growth and development.”
If done well, these efforts will greatly enhance Australia’s own growth and development, he added.
Australia’s efforts to boost ties include upgraded trade agreements and enhanced travel initiatives. For example, the country will extend visas for business visitors from three to five years, and a current 10-year frequent traveller initiative will be extended to eligible Asean states and in-principle Asean member Timor-Leste, as announced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on March 5.
In 2023, Canberra launched its South-east Asian economic strategy to increase trade and investment with its Asean neighbours, particularly in key areas such as the green and digital economies – which are also priority sectors for the bloc.
PM Lee said there was potential for Australia to work with Asean on clean and sustainable energy ..
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