KUALA LUMPUR – Asean is pleased to accept Australia’s proposal for the annual Asean-Australia Leaders’ Summits starting next year, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today.
Muhyiddin, when delivering the Asean Common Statement at the 2nd Asean-Australia Biennial Summit, said the grouping is committed to working together with Australia to further expand and deepen their strategic partnership in all areas for mutual benefit towards regional and global peace, stability and prosperity.
“As reflected in the Asean-Australia Joint Leaders’ Statement, we recognise the depth and breadth of our long-standing relationship with Australia,” he told the summit, held as part of the 37th Asean Summit and related meetings.
The prime minister is the country coordinator for the Asean-Australia Biennial Summit, while Australia was represented by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The proposal for an annual Asean-Australia Leaders’ Summits beginning 2021 was announced at the Asean Post-Ministerial Meeting Plus One with Australia in September.
Muhyiddin added that it is time for Asean and Australia to boost cooperation in areas such as the 4th Industrial Revolution, digital technologies, trade facilitation and e-commerce, with the increased impetus for digital transformation due to Covid-19.
He said Asean looks forward to strengthening collaboration to combat Covid-19 with Australian health officials and experts, including in research and development.
Asean also welcomes Australia’s announcement of a A$23 million (RM68.951 million) Covid-19 package during the Special Asean-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Covid-19, another A$60 million at the last Asean-Australia Ministerial Meeting in September, and A$1 million to the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund, he said. – Bernama, November 14, 2020
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