PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Australia have pledged to work together to strengthen the resilience of the energy supply chain and deepen regional cooperation amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.
In a joint statement, the two countries expressed deep concern over the conflict in the Middle East, its escalation, and the consequences for the region, including the impact on energy supply chains, prices and flows of essential energy supplies such as oil and natural gas.
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"We recognise the complementarity of our trade and economic partnership and the role our countries play in each other’s energy security.
"Both countries serve as energy suppliers to one another, underpinning a mutually important energy security relationship," Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a joint statement on Thursday (April 16).
The statement followed a four-eyed meeting between the two leaders.
In this context, both countries affirmed their shared commitment to open, rules-based trade in energy products.
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"We commit to promoting open and stable trade flows between our two countries, including essential energy supplies.
"We will exchange views on energy trade-related matters on a ‘no surprises’ basis, and deepen practical cooperation on energy security for both countries to achieve shared goals," the statement said.
Both countries also committed to working together to strengthen energy supply chain resilience, including by deepening regional cooperation, supporting the energy transition and promoting the uptake of renewable energy resources.
"Open and resilient global energy supplies remain deeply important to the security and prosperity of our peoples, and we will continue to consult on developments that may affect energy supply and markets.
"Malaysia and Australia are deeply connected and share a longstanding friendship supported by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
"We have a common interest in ensuring our region’s prosperity, security, stability and economic future.
"Our close relationship is grounded in strategic trust and a mutual commitment to open markets and rules-based trade," the statement read.
