"Peace Is Never an Accident" Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong's ASEAN Message | AC1B

[00:00:00]of this region by geography and by conviction.

[00:00:05]And that conviction made Australia ASEAN's first dialogue partner before any other nation.

[00:00:12]Today, it has grown into one of the most productive partnerships our region has.

[00:00:19]And 5 years into our comprehensive strategic partnership, it is delivering where it counts.

[00:00:27]Practical maritime cooperation through the law of the sea training program and the expanded ASEAN maritime forum, economic resilience through the upgraded AANZFTA, in its open markets, secure supply chains, and jobs for our peoples.

[00:00:49]And people-to-people ties that grow closer every year.

[00:00:54]That this is what bonds look like in practice, not promises, but concrete programs.

[00:01:01]But adapting is the hardest task.

[00:01:04]Strategic competition is happening, energy and food systems are under strain, and digital threats do not stop at any border.

[00:01:14]Our task is to make sure our cooperation keeps pace with these challenges, and the way forward is guided by the principles that have kept our region at peace.

[00:01:26]This year marks 50 years of Treaty of Amity and Cooperation as the foundation of our strategic trust.

[00:01:35]The joint statement on the TAC we adopt today renews that foundation for the next 50 years.

[00:01:42]Complementing our existing cooperation in conflict prevention and crisis management, because peace in our region has never been an accident.

[00:01:55]It has always been the result of conscious choices, sustained commitment, and close cooperation. And today, we choose peace again.

[00:02:05]And we will continue to do so by working ever more closely together. And now, I would like to invite my co-chair to deliver her opening remarks, Minister Wong.

[00:02:18]>> Thank you very much, Foreign Minister Sugiyono. Thank you for that very kind welcome. Uh Australia is very grateful for our friendship and partnership with Indonesia and the close collaboration and support you offer to us uh as our country coordinator. It is a great pleasure to be back in Manila, and I thank uh in her absence Foreign Secretary Lazaro for her hosting and her welcome, and I commend the Philippines on its ASEAN year theme, navigating our future together, which captures the spirit of the ASEAN-Australia partnership.

[00:02:58]Co-chair, uh Foreign Minister Sugiyono, it has, as you said, been a challenging year to navigate. The strategic landscape has changed. Competition is intensifying, the risk of escalation and of miscalculation is growing. The full impact of the this year's shocks in the Middle East, in our region, in the global economy are still unfolding. We know how this crisis is affecting our people. We know how this crisis is affecting our region's food security, energy security, and fuel fertilizer supply chains.

[00:03:33]Navigating this ongoing challenge, we have collectively relied on each other.

[00:03:38]Relationships our relationships in the region have helped ensure the continued flow of essential fuel and fertilizer.

[00:03:46]It has meant Australia can continue being a reliable supplier of food and energy to the region. What goes to Australia as fuel and fertilizer comes back as food products critical to the region's supply chains, including wheat, beef, and dairy.

[00:04:02]And Australia will continue to support ASEAN led initiatives that build economic resilience, including the ASEAN Power Grid and the Digital Economy Framework Agreement.

[00:04:13]Colleagues, this year has reminded us on how much we rely on each other for our security and for our prosperity.

[00:04:22]And ASEAN's central role in our partnership is crucial.

[00:04:27]Prime Minister Sugiyoto put it well when he said that by geography and by conviction, we are a part of this region.

[00:04:36]Australia is a strong supporter of ASEAN, of ASEAN led architecture, and your unique role in upholding the rules and norms that underpin and hold together our region's security and resilience.

[00:04:50]And as your first dialogue partner and comprehensive strategic partner, we are a steadfast and predictable partner supporting ASEAN centrality and ASEAN led mechanisms for over half a century.

[00:05:04]I want to acknowledge the presence of ASEAN's newest member, Timor Leste, with whom we worked very closely in supporting your accession and very pleased that you are here as the 11th member.

[00:05:14]I want to also recognize His Royal Highness Prince Mateen and again congratulate him on his appointment as Brunei's Foreign Minister. It was with Brunei's assistance that we achieved the comprehensive strategic partnership during Brunei's chair year. We are now celebrating the fifth anniversary of our CSP.

[00:05:34]And we demonstrate our deep commitment to the relationship through practical actions, not just words, but action and cooperation based on trust, on friendship, and a positive region vision for the region's future.

[00:05:48]Our park CSP continues to deliver tangible results for our region.

[00:05:53]On energy security, on growing two-way trade and investment, on maritime cooperation, and stronger collective responses to transnational crime.

[00:06:04]ASEAN matters to Australia.

[00:06:06]ASEAN matters to Australia because fundamentally ASEAN holds the center of this region.

[00:06:13]A region where we live, and a region where the world's future is being shaped. ASEAN builds relationships, shapes rules, and fosters our shared resilience.

[00:06:25]And as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, let us all be reminded of ASEAN's enduring commitment to regional peace, security, stability, and prosperity.

[00:06:37]Objectives even more important in an increasingly uncertain world.

[00:06:43]Prime Minister Suga, I thank you for welcoming me me welcoming me here once again. I look forward to today's to today's discussions.

[00:06:54]>> Thank you, Excellency. And before we continue the meeting, I kindly request media >> Mhm.