Australia Congratulates Malaysia on Ambitious ASEAN Chairmanship Agenda

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- Australia has commended Malaysia on setting an ambitious agenda for its ASEAN chairmanship this year, in particular, its emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability.

In a video message posted Friday on the Australian High Commission’s official Facebook page, the country’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke praised Malaysia’s leadership, particularly in steering the launch of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The ASEAN Community Vision 2045 is a roadmap for the next two decade aimed at building a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN.

“As part of the Indo-Pacific and through our role as an active member of the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum, Australia is deeply committed to ASEAN centrality,” she said.

Heinecke also commended Malaysia for its successful hosting of the recent ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which was attended by Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong.

“This year, we've been working together with Malaysia on many initiatives, including the green economy, the care economy, future jobs, and the ASEAN Women's Peace and Security Agenda,” she added.

The High Commissioner noted that Australia was pleased to collaborate trilaterally with Malaysia and Timor-Leste in supporting Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession.

She also highlighted that this year marks 70 years of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Malaysia, saying the country is proud to be one of Malaysia’s longest-standing partners in the region.

“We will continue to be a reliable partner for ASEAN during Malaysia's chairmanship and in the years ahead,” she affirmed.

The 70 years of diplomatic relations celebrate a strong partnership grounded in shared values, regional cooperation, and close people-to-people ties. The milestone also underscores both countries’ enduring commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

-- BERNAMA