Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Opening of the 3rd ASEAN-Australia Summit, Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta, September 7, 2023
Your Excellency Prime Minister Anthony Albanese,
Your Majesty,
Your Excellencies Leaders of ASEAN Countries,
To ASEAN, Australia is not only a neighboring country, but also a strategic comprehensive partner that also connects the Indo-Pacific region.
ASEAN is also an important trade partner for Australia with a higher trade value compared to that with the United States of America and Japan. Hence, whatever happens in Indo-Pacific region would create a big impact for both Australia and ASEAN.
To that end, both ASEAN and Australia share interests and responsibility to maintain peace and stability in Indo-Pacific and to make it an Epicentrum of Growth.
ASEAN truly appreciates the support lent by Australia to ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and Australia’s active participation in ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum, especially active participation of Prime Minister Albanese. Thank you, Prime Minister Albanese.
With the principle of inclusivity, ASEAN this year will ensure cooperation with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Pacific Island Forum. ASEAN is also committed to continuing cooperation with Australia that brings mutual benefits.
That concludes my remarks and I hereby declare that the 3rd ASEAN-Australia Summit open.
Now, I would like to invite Your Excellency Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, to deliver an opening remarks.
Your Excellency, the floor is yours.
(AW/EP)