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(KPL) Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong is visiting Laos, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) over the next couple of days.
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong
(KPL) Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong is visiting Laos, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) over the next couple of days.
This tour aims to strengthen Australia's ties with key regional partners and address pressing regional challenges.
Minister Wong’s first stop will be Laos, where she will attend the ASEAN-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Australia becoming ASEAN's first dialogue partner, a significant milestone highlighting the importance of ASEAN in maintaining regional stability and prosperity. The meeting will build on the outcomes of the Special Summit held earlier this year in Melbourne. Additionally, Minister Wong will participate in the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum, essential platforms for regional cooperation.
Australia is a strong supporter of Laos' leadership as the 2024 ASEAN Chair. The relationship between Australia and Laos is built on longstanding development cooperation and people-to-people ties that have been nurtured over 70 years. Minister Wong’s visit underscores Australia's commitment to supporting Laos in its crucial role and enhancing bilateral relations.
Following her visit to Laos, Minister Wong will travel to Tokyo for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The Quad, comprising Japan, India, the United States, and Australia, plays a vital role in addressing the Indo-Pacific region's priorities and challenges. The ministers will discuss cooperation on various issues, including infrastructure, supply chains, connectivity, education, research, humanitarian and disaster responses, counterterrorism, and security. The Quad's collaborative efforts aim to deliver tangible benefits to the region and promote a positive agenda.
Minister Wong’s final stop will be the Republic of Korea, where she will meet with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in Seoul. The meeting will focus on advancing the implementation of outcomes from the May 2+2 meeting held in Melbourne. Australia and the ROK share a comprehensive strategic partnership, and this visit aims to expand bilateral and regional cooperation, particularly in energy transition and economic security.
KPL