ASEAN And Australia Agree On Statement On Conflict Prevention And Crisis Management

By Mohd Adli Shahar and Ahmad Erwan Othman

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- ASEAN and Australia have agreed to the ASEAN-Australia Leaders Statement on Conflict Prevention and Crisis Management, marking a renewed commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

“This important statement demonstrates our shared commitment to upholding a peaceful and stable Southeast Asia, guiding against conflict and other potential threats to the rules and norms that advance all of our interests,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“As ASEAN partners, maintaining open and constructive dialogue is always valuable,” he said at the ASEAN-Australia Summit today, held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit.

Albanese said the statement highlights ASEAN's pivotal role in deepening mutual trust between member nations to reduce the risk of misunderstanding, to navigate differences and prevent escalation.

He also said that the new statement draws from and builds upon the vision statement issued at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne last year.

Reaffirming Australia's economic focus, Albanese said his government is committed to deepening economic engagement and seizing opportunities for investment and trade identified through its regional strategy for 2040.

"At a time of global economic uncertainty, Australia certainly does remain invested and committed to Southeast Asia's growth and prosperity," he said.

He highlighted that three-quarters of Australia's total overseas development assistance funding benefits the region, citing an AUD1.28 billion development programme in Southeast Asia.

He said this funding programme is focused on building economic resilience, embracing digital transformation, and supporting cleaner, cheaper energy to deliver stronger economies and a healthier environment, alongside investments in better health services and outcomes.

He also said that ASEAN is central to the strength and success of the diverse and dynamic region and the ASEAN-Australia Summit is a forum where everyone can work together to build and sustain a peaceful, stable and prosperous region for all of its citizens.

The 5th ASEAN-Australia Summit served as a high-level forum between ASEAN heads of state and the Prime Minister of Australia under the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

The ASEAN-Australia CSP was first established at the inaugural annual ASEAN-Australia Summit on Oct 27, 2021, with both parties committed to deepening cooperation across the political-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars.

In July 2024, ASEAN adopted the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia CSP (2025-2029), outlining the roadmap for cooperation over the next five years.

Australia’s longstanding partnership with ASEAN dates back to 1974 when it became ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner.

-- BERNAMA