Stay up to date with notifications from TheĀ Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Australia and Laos elevate bilateral relations at Southeast Asian summit

Leaders of Australia and Laos have signed an agreement that deepens bilateral ties on the final day of a Southeast Asian summit

Rod McGuirk
Tuesday 05 March 2024 18:43 EST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Leaders of Australia and Laos signed an agreement that deepens bilateral ties on Wednesday on the final day of a Southeast Asian summit.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Laos counterpart Sonexay Siphandone are co-chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' special summit being held in Melbourne to mark 50 years since Australia became the 10-nation blocā€™s first external partner.

The agreement elevates the relationship to a comprehensive partnership which will become the foundation for collaboration on defense, environment, climate, clean energy, agriculture and education.

Laos, the blocā€™s poorest nation, took over ASEANā€™s rotating leadership from Indonesia this year and is pursuing a theme of enhancing connectivity and resilience.

Albanese said the key themes of Wednesdayā€™s discussions would include trade, investment, climate change, clean energy and maritime cooperation.

These will be reflected in the leaders' communique to be adopted later on Wednesday.

Chinaā€™s increasing assertiveness in the region and the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, as ASEAN state, have also loomed over the three-day summit.

Myanmar has been denied political representation at the meeting over its failure to stem violence in that country since a military junta seized control in 2021.

East Timorese Prime Minister Xanana GusmĆ£o is also attending the summit after ASEAN agreed in principle to admit Asiaā€™s newest country.

The former independence fighter has called on ASEAN do more to restore peace and democracy in Myanmar.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in