(VOVWORLD) - On Wednesday, Australia and Southeast Asian nations concluded the ASEAN - Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, marking 50 years (1974-2024) of their dialogue relations.
 Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (left) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) hold a joint press conference after the summit concluded. (Photo: VOV) |
At the summit, the countries adopted the “Melbourne Declaration: A Partnership for the Future” and the “ASEAN-Australia Leaders' Vision Statement – partners for peace and prosperity”, two major declarations that will guide ASEAN-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership in the next 50 years, said Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in a press conference afterwards.
As ASEAN’s chairman for 2024, Laos will continue to promote connectivity and enhance recovery to boost the ASEAN-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, he said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated Australia’s commitments at the summit to spend 1.3 billion USD to boost trade and investment in ASEAN, an additional 145 million USD to support the development of the Mekong sub-region, and other grants to combat climate change, promote maritime cooperation, energy transition, education, and simplify its visa issuance for citizens of ASEAN countries. He emphasized that these commitments reflect Australia’s strategic vision in ASEAN.