Australia to spend millions to promote relations with Southeast Asia

ANKARA

Australia allocated over 55 million Australian dollars (around $37.66 million) in its 2023-24 budget to promote the engagement in Southeast Asia, said the country's top diplomat on Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, in a joint statement with Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell and International Development and the Pacific Minister Pat Conroy, said the Albanese government is making Australia stronger and more influential in the world.

"We are investing in all elements of our statecraft including diplomatic power, trade and development," she said.

Wong added that Australia's engagement in Southeast Asia will achieve, through innovative programs, to support more people-to-people links, including specialized scholarships.

Australia also allocated 31.9 million Australian dollars to progress the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework amid expanding the country's trade and economic interests, including in digital and green trade, and strengthening the regional supply chains, according to the statement.

"The Albanese Government will also support the National Centre for Asia Capability (Asialink Business). These represent critical initial investments that will complement the implementation of the Government's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, to be released later this year," it said.

"The 2023-24 Budget continues the Albanese Government's long-term rebuild of Australia's international development program, after almost a decade of Coalition cuts and neglect, including funding for DFAT (the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) to grow its team of development professionals to deliver an effective program with impact," said Wong.

She said she hoped that these measures will help work with partners across the region to meet their most pressing challenges, including climate change.

The government allocated funds for the interim mission on Afghanistan, as well.

"There will be ongoing funding for the Interim Mission on Afghanistan, reflecting Australia's commitment to the people of Afghanistan, and our enduring security and consular interests," the statement added.

The government has also included a plan for the recovery of the tourism sector through 48 million Australian dollars.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid.