(KPL) Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity, Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), has returned to Laos this week with a number of engagements on bilateral priorities, like Women, Peace and Security and international humanitarian law. 

IPE supports the Australian Government’s focus on deepening diplomatic and defence partnerships across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean, and reinforces Australia’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, founded on openness, respect for sovereignty and adherence to agreed rules and norms. 

Indo-Pacific Endeavour allows Australia and Laos to work together in ways that are of, with and for the region and build the capacity of the defence personnel of the two countries. 

“The activities in Laos that are part of IPE 2024 will also build friendships and understanding between our two countries, through English language teacher training, as well as Women, Peace and Security, and international humanitarian law forums,” said Commodore Michael Harris, Commander of Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE24).

IPE 2022 saw Laos’ inaugural participation in the activity and included Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief delivery, as well as Women, Peace and Security and maritime security forums. 

IPE 2023 supported the Lao Government to strengthen its emergency response preparedness. 

IPE 2024 will build on these engagements by providing training to English language teachers from the Lao People’s Armed Forces. The training will develop teachers’ knowledge and skills for teaching English while also supporting both countries’ commitment to the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda. 

An international humanitarian law workshop led by the Australian Defence Force Indo-Pacific Centre for Military Law will also increase knowledge, understanding and compliance of personnel as they protect both countries’ interests in the region. 

IPE 2024 will conduct activities with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam. 

Royal Australian Navy ships, Australian Army detachments and Royal Australian Air Force aircraft will also support military exercises and engagement activities, sharing information and providing training opportunities throughout IPE 2024.

Other agencies will also contribute to a range of activities, reflecting Australia’s whole-of-government commitment to regional stability and security.

KPL