SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Over the next week I will travel to Laos for ASEAN meetings, Japan for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the Republic of Korea for a bilateral visit.

This year we proudly mark 50 years since Australia became ASEAN’s first dialogue partner. A strong ASEAN underpins regional stability, contributes to prosperity and reinforces the rules and norms that protect us all.

At the ASEAN-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Laos, we will progress outcomes agreed at the Special Summit held earlier this year in Melbourne.

In Laos, I will also attend the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and ASEAN Regional Forum, which provide important platforms for cooperation with ASEAN on regional priorities.

Australia strongly supports Laos’ leadership as the 2024 ASEAN Chair. Our friendship with Laos is built on longstanding development cooperation and people to people ties, forged over 70 years.

In Tokyo, I look forward to meeting my counterparts from Japan, India and the United States at the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The Quad is working closely with Indo-Pacific countries and institutions to deliver on a positive agenda that responds tangibly to the region’s priorities and most pressing challenges.

Quad Foreign Ministers will take forward cooperation on infrastructure, supply chains, connectivity, education, research, humanitarian and disaster responses, counterterrorism and security.

The Republic of Korea (ROK) is a close friend and a comprehensive strategic partner. I look forward to meeting Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in Seoul to progress implementation of the outcomes from our May 2+2 meeting in Melbourne.

Australia and the ROK are building on our strategic alignment with expanded bilateral and regional cooperation, including on the energy transition and economic security.

While in the ROK, I will visit the UN Command Buildings in the Joint Security Area within the Demilitarised Zone, which is an enduring symbol of international cooperation in addressing North Korea’s challenges to security and stability.

This visit to Laos, Japan and the Republic of Korea is an opportunity to promote Australia’s interests and deepen collaboration with key partners and regional architecture in pursuit of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

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Foreign Minister's Office: +61 2 6277 7500

Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.