PHNOM PENH: ASEAN leaders have agreed to enhance their current partnership with Australia to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. This was discussed during the ASEAN-Australia Summit attended by Prime Minister Hun Sen and other ASEAN heads of state, with the exception of Myanmar. The leaders also promoted regional stability, peace and prosperity.

Australia has been providing support to ASEAN countries, especially in the fight against Covid-19 which has been acknowledged by leaders during Wednesday’s meeting. Its Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, says they will continue to support ASEAN and its member countries for the post-pandemic recovery. He says he hopes to visit each ASEAN country in the near future.

One of the most important things discussed by Prime Minister Morrison during the summit was the country’s grant of $60 million for the ASEAN Center for Public Health, Emergency and Emerging Diseases, as well as $5 million for the ASEAN-Australia Health Security Initiative. He also announced that Australia would be providing 10 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to ASEAN countries.

The ASEAN leaders all expressed gratitude for Australia’s continued contribution to the region. It was in 2014 when Australia and ASEAN formally became strategic partners, recognising the importance of the relationship in building mutual security and prosperity.