PH Welcomes New Initiatives to Advance ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro delivers the Philippine intervention on ASEAN Political-Security Cooperation. (DFA-Office of ASEAN Affairs photo)
PASAY CITY 06 May 2022 – DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs and the Philippine Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, along with fellow SOM Leaders in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), met with Katrina Cooper, Australia’s ASEAN Deputy Secretary for Southeast Asia and Global Partners Group for the 34th ASEAN-Australia Forum held via videoconference on 28 April 2022.
The ASEAN-Australia Forum is an annual meeting between ASEAN and Australian SOM Leaders. This year, particular focus was given to the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and its implementing Plan of Action, Australia’s support for the ASEAN’s COVID-19 response and recovery, and its commitment to development cooperation and trade, as well as other priority areas that will enhance Australia’s engagement in the region.
Undersecretary Lazaro led the discussions on ASEAN-Australia Political-Security Cooperation. In her interventions, she highlighted engagement on defense, maritime security and cooperation, transnational crime, and cybersecurity. “We encourage the development of new programs from ASEAN and Australia alike in order to deepen our engagements under the Political-Security pillar” she stated.
She reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for the new Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative, which will further strengthen ASEAN’s relationship with its oldest dialogue partner, a partnership which started in 1974.
During this Forum, Australia committed to support the Philippine hosting of the 12th ASEAN Maritime Forum and the 10th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum later this year.
The Philippines joined ASEAN Member States in welcoming Australia’s continued support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
Lao PDR’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and SOM Leader Mr. Thongphane Savanphet and Australia’s Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ms. Katrina Cooper co-chaired the meeting. END
Australian Deputy Secretary Katrina Cooper co-chaired her first ASEAN-Australia Forum as the new Australian SOM Leader to ASEAN. (DFA-Office of ASEAN Affairs photo)