Anwar Lauds Australia’s Longstanding Role As ASEAN’s First Dialogue Partner

By Ahmad Erwan Othman & Mohd Adli Shahar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed ASEAN’s deep appreciation for Australia’s long-standing partnership with the regional bloc, highlighting Canberra’s unwavering support since becoming ASEAN’s first dialogue partner.

In his opening remarks at the fifth ASEAN-Australia Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here, Anwar welcomed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his delegation, saying Malaysia was “doubly honoured” to host the meeting under the ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

In his capacity as ASEAN Chair 2025, the Prime Minister said Australia had remained a consistent and committed supporter of ASEAN throughout decades of regional transformation.

Australia was not only the bloc’s first dialogue partner in 1974 but also the first to express support for the implementation of “ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future”, highlighting its alignment with the region’s strategic vision.

“We have seen significant achievements together from the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) 2020, Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2021, upgrade of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2023, and the 50th anniversary celebration in 2024,” he said.

He said today’s summit provided an important platform for ASEAN and Australia to exchange views, strengthen cooperation and identify new avenues to deepen ties.

Established in 2021, the ASEAN-Australia Summit serves as a high-level forum between ASEAN leaders and  Australia’s under the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

-- BERNAMA