ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality and expressed support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
The joint statement was broadcast by the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and accessed from Jakarta, Tuesday, March 5 2024.
Both stated that they were looking forward to the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit to commemorate 50 years of Dialogue Relations and were committed to close cooperation to achieve the results of the Summit, including Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.
Both of them also reaffirmed their support for full ASEAN membership for Timor Leste and were committed to continuing capacity strengthening assistance to help Timor Leste implement the Roadmap for Full Membership of Timor Leste in ASEAN which was adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the 42nd ASEAN Summit on 10 May 2023.
On the same occasion the two leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing suffering of the Myanmar people as a result of the 2021 military coup and strongly condemned the ongoing violence.
They urge the military regime to take concrete steps to stop indiscriminate violence, condemn any escalation, unjust detention, provide access to humanitarian aid and engage in inclusive national dialogue.
Anwar and Albanese committed their strong support to ASEAN-led efforts and the Five-Point Consensus to address the political crisis in Myanmar, which should be fully implemented.
Their joint statement after the 2nd Annual Australia-Malaysia Leaders’ Meeting in Melbourne, Monday, March 4 2024, also raised issues in the Indo-Pacific region, where they reaffirmed their commitment to promoting an open, stable, inclusive Indo-Pacific region. and transparent, supported by respect for sovereignty and compliance with agreed rules and norms.
They also stressed the importance of promoting dialogue and practical steps to reduce the risk of misunderstandings and miscalculations and also prevent conflicts in the region.
The two leaders expressed serious concern about developments in the South China Sea and highlighted the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight under international law. Apart from that, it also emphasized the need for all countries to comply with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Anwar and Albanese acknowledged the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Both noted that all have an interest in preventing conflict, and the importance of open communication, certainty and transparency.
Both underlined the importance of promoting transparency and building trust among all countries, and promoting peace and security in the region. (AT Network)
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