VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, stated that she will discuss the cooperation potential under the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, especially in climate change and health resilience.

Wong noted in a press release received here on Tuesday that Australia is committed to working together with the region to realize the goals of all parties.

The minister also discussed the topic of ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) with ASEAN ministers.

Indonesia is holding the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) on July 10-14, 2023, as part of its chairmanship this year, in which 29 countries, along with the ASEAN Secretariat and the EU, are participating in the event.

Australia views the ASEAN as being a stable, peaceful, and prosperous region, Wong remarked.

Her current visit to Indonesia was an opportunity to intensify Australia's partnership with Indonesia and reaffirm its support to Indonesia, as the chair of ASEAN this year.

"Indonesia is central to Australia's prosperity and our security," Wong affirmed.

Wong is also scheduled to attend the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting and attend the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on Friday (July 14).

"I will explain Australia's vision for the region on how we can cooperate with ASEAN in responding to challenges together," she stated.

She will inaugurate a photo exhibition on the framework of 70 Years of Australian Scholarships in Indonesia and participate in a discussion with Indonesian youths.

Wong said she will visit a local health center to reaffirm cooperation between Australia and Indonesia in health reformation.

Earlier, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated that Australia is one of the first strategic comprehensive partners of the ASEAN.

Next year, the ASEAN and Australia will celebrate their five-decade-long relations.

Indonesia also invited Australia's participation in flagship events under the AOIP.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's commitment to boosting bilateral relations with Australia is strong, especially in the economic sector, Marsudi stated. The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) can be a new tool to increase economic partnerships. (Antaranews)