Albanese urges greater ASEAN cooperation on marine security, sustainability

MELBOURNE, Australia — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday underscored the need to achieve greater cooperation towards ensuring marine sustainability and security. 

Albanese made the remark before ASEAN leaders at the Leader’s Plenary during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. 

“We must work to turn our natural connections into even greater practical cooperation: on marine sustainability, the blue economy, and the security of our oceans and seas. And our commitment to the future – in the best traditions of ASEAN – means encouraging and educating the next generation of emerging leaders,” Albanese said. 

He vowed that the Australian government would work with ASEAN member-states to guarantee that the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality, and independence are upheld. 

“The regional architecture, with ASEAN at its center, is vital in pursuing these goals, and for promoting trust and transparency among our nations,” Albanese said. 

“Australia is fully committed to cooperating with you within the framework of ASEAN and through crucial bodies like the East Asia Summit and APEC,” he added. 

Albanese said Australia would continue to support the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for the stability and peace of the region. —KBK, GMA Integrated News