KUALA LUMPUR: History shows Australia has always been a strong supporter of Asean, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the nation became the Asean's first dialogue partner decades ago and also the bloc's first dialogue partner to express support for "Strategic Plans of the Asean 2045: Our Shared Future".
He also said there had been significant achievements between Australia and Asean since the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was signed in 2020, the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) in 2021, the upgrade of the Asean-Australia free trade agreement in 2023 and the 50th anniversary celebration in 2024.
"Today's meeting is a great opportunity to exchange views and listen to my colleagues, you yourselves (Australian Prime Minister Anthony) Albanese, to be able to find ways not only to navigate but to enhance this relationship.
"I am very optimistic because the people-to-people connection between Australia and Asean countries is huge in terms of students, business, researchers and tourists," said Anwar during the 5th Asean-Australia Summit at KL Convention Centre on Tuesday (Oct 28).
Also present was Albanese, who arrived in KL on Sunday (Oct 26).
Australia became Asean's first dialogue partner in 1974.
The 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits that began on Oct 26 will end on Tuesday (Oct 28) evening.
