Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 27 – ASEAN-Australia leaders exchanged views on Australia-UK-US Trilateral Security Alliance (AUKUS) at the 1st ASEAN-Australia Summit, held on Wednesday via videoconference.

Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and other ASEAN leaders attended the meeting, except Myanmar.

The ASEAN Leaders agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership between ASEAN and Australia that is meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial, and reaffirmed their commitment to work with Australia to that effect, according to the outcomes of the summit seen by Fresh News on Wednesday.

The leaders exchanged views on recent regional and international developments, including the Australia-UK-US trilateral security alliance (AUKUS), the importance of maintaining peace and security in the South China  Sea and Myanmar situation.

AUKUS is a trilateral security pact between United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Under the pact, the US and the UK will help Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Morrison also reassured ASEAN Leaders on Australia’s commitment to ASEAN centrality, regional peace and security, including through support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AIOP) and firm adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT).
=FRESH NEWS