SYDNEY – Asean plays a central role in the region’s recovery and the post-Covid-19 regional order, reported Vietnam News Agency (VNA), quoting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
In a press statement released yesterday, Morrison announced that he will participate in the virtual Asean-Australia Summit and East Asia Summit.
He affirmed that the group remains at the heart of Australia’s vision for a peaceful, stable, inclusive, sovereign, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific.
At the Asean-Australia Summit, Morrison will discuss Australia’s role in the region’s response to Covid-19 recovery as a strategic partner to Asean and the oldest dialogue partner to the group.
Meanwhile, at the East Asia Summit, he will highlight the importance of post-pandemic recovery being guided by the principles set out in the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, including transparency, inclusivity, good governance and respect for international law.
He will also participate in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit tomorrow.
Morrison said RCEP brings together Australia’s top regional trading partners into a single economic framework, and will link the country more closely with the dynamic region.
He congratulated Vietnam for its stewardship as Asean chair during a very challenging year, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s hosting of the Asean-Australia, East Asia and RCEP Summits.
Yesterday evening, Morrison delivered a speech at the Asean Business and Investment Summit 2020, also held online. – Bernama, November 14, 2020