Malaysia and Australia Strengthen Bilateral Relations
The 6th Annual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting between Malaysia and Australia has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to further strengthening their bilateral relations and cooperation across various sectors. The meeting, jointly chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong, reviewed the progress of ongoing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, energy transition, minerals, cybersecurity, digital economy, education, defence and security, as well as people-to-people relations.
Follow-up to Leaders’ Meeting
The meeting was also a follow-up to the 2nd Malaysia-Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne in March. The Foreign Ministers discussed and exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the situations in Myanmar and the Middle East, as well as the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
ASEAN Chairmanship 2025
Wong expressed Australia’s support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025. As ASEAN’s first dialogue partner, Australia has continued to engage with and embark on a wide range of cooperation across the three ASEAN Community pillars.
Bilateral Talks
Earlier, Wong paid a courtesy call on Anwar, where both sides reviewed the progress of cooperation agreed upon following the latter’s visit to Australia. Anwar also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to attend the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Malaysia in 2025. Separately, Wong held a bilateral talk with Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to discuss cooperation in the critical minerals industry.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
"Overall, this visit has further strengthened the existing cooperation within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), established in 2021 through robust economic partnerships and enduring people-to-people ties," it added. A joint statement issued by both foreign ministers noted the significant progress made on implementing the CSP since its inception in 2021 and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across its three pillars: Economic Prosperity, Society and Technology, and Defence and Regional Security.
Economic Cooperation
On economy, the ministers reiterated their commitment to prioritising efforts to modernise and energise the Australia-Malaysia partnership, to ensure both economies are digitally advanced, safe and resilient. The ministers also expressed strong interest to explore more trade and investment opportunities, especially in pivotal sectors such as the green economy, agrifood, energy, digital technology, petrochemical and chemicals, electrical and electronics, and minerals.
Regional and Global Cooperation
On regional and global cooperation, both ministers reiterated their commitment to promoting a peaceful, secure, stable, and prosperous region defined by respect for sovereignty and international law, including through implementing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. The joint statement further emphasised the global benefits of stable China-US relations and urged all nations to maintain actions that promote regional peace, stability, and economic growth.
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
The ministers welcomed the ceasefire agreement to bring an end to hostilities in Lebanon and expressed hope that it could serve as a catalyst for an end to the war in Gaza. Both ministers reiterated their shared concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, strongly advocating for de-escalation and the need for a political resolution that achieves a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security within internationally agreed borders, based on the pre-1967 lines.
Conclusion
The 6th Annual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting has reaffirmed the strong commitment of Malaysia and Australia to deepen their bilateral relations and cooperation across various sectors. The meeting has also underscored the importance of regional and global cooperation in promoting peace, stability, and economic growth.
FAQs
Q: What is the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between Malaysia and Australia?
A: The CSP is a framework established in 2021 to promote robust economic partnerships and enduring people-to-people ties between Malaysia and Australia.
Q: What are the three pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?
A: The three pillars are Economic Prosperity, Society and Technology, and Defence and Regional Security.
Q: What is the significance of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025?
A: Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 is significant as it will provide an opportunity for the country to lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in promoting regional peace, stability, and economic growth.