Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 27 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen attended the 1st Australia-ASEAN Summit, held on Wednesday via videoconference.

Australia prime minister Scott Morrison and other ASEAN leaders, except Myanmar, attended the meeting.

According to Cambodian delegate minister Kao Kim Hourn, the leaders of ASEAN-Australia exchanged views on the beginning of ASEAN-Australia partnership, and agreed to transform the partnership into a comprehensive strategic one, which will contribute to regional stability, peace and prosperity.

The ASEAN leaders welcomed the Australia’s support for ASEAN's core role, particularly, the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific. They also thanked Australia for its assistance to ASEAN especially assistance to combat COVID19.

Australia’s Morrison announced to provide additional development assistances and address any challenges of ASEAN. He also announced to grant AUD 5 million (approximately USD 3.7 million) to ASEAN-Australia Health Security Initiative.

In addition, Australia pledged to provide AUD 60 million (approximately USD 45 million) for ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases, and to donate an additional 10 million doses of COVID19 vaccine to ASEAN.

Morrison announced to support ASEAN economy’s recovery as well as expressed hope to visit each ASEAN member countries in the near future. Moreover, he announced his support for all ASEAN-led mechanisms and called for support to build ASEAN community, facilitate ASEAN integration and bridge the gap between ASEAN member states.

ASEAN has become one of the largest trade areas for Australia and its neighbor, Morrison added.

ASEAN-Australia leaders also exchanged views on regional issues, including the South China Sea, Myanmar and the Korean Peninsula.
=FRESH NEWS