“At a time when the impact of climate change is accelerating and geopolitical competition continues to rise, Canada is elevating its engagement with ASEAN as we strive for a future that is prosperous, resilient, secure, and inclusive,” Melanie Joly stated in a press release from the Canadian Embassy received by ANTARA in Jakarta, Thursday.
Joly will also discuss issues regarding respect for the rules based on international order and inclusive economic growth in the PMC.
ASEAN is Canada’s fourth-largest trading partner globally and second-largest trading partner in the Indo-Pacific, and ASEAN represents the fifth-largest economy, with a GDP of five million trillion dollars and the third-largest population in the world, with a populace of approximately 660 million.
Foreign Minister Joly will also provide an update on the progress of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy implementation in the region, highlighting its alignment with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
ASEAN is a priority partner in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy that sets out an ambitious plan for Canada’s increased engagement in the region over the next decade.
“Over the years, Canada and ASEAN have forged a remarkable, mutually beneficial partnership built on trust, shared values, and on being there when it matters,” the Canadian foreign minister affirmed.
It was also stated that Foreign Minister Joly will discuss tensions in the East and South China Seas and the Myanmar crisis at the 30th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
She will also discuss the continued threats posed by North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine at the forum.
The Canadian foreign minister will also reiterate Canada’s steadfast support for ASEAN centrality in addressing regional challenges with international partners to uphold a free, open, stable, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Canada considers the ARF to be a valuable multilateral forum for dialogue on regional security issues and for increasing cooperation with ASEAN member states.
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Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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