Canada to Align Efforts with ASEAN Outlook in Indo-Pacific Region

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Canada shares the same vision as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on promoting peace, resilience, and security in the Indo-Pacific region, stated Nadia Burger, Ambassador of Canada to Indonesia.

Speaking at a seminar in Jakarta on Friday, Burger said that Canada deeply respects the centrality of ASEAN in the region. Ottawa will support the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) although Canada has devised its own strategy for the Indo-Pacific, which is called Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

"Our Indo-Pacific strategy clearly reaffirms the centrality of ASEAN in the region, and we will work to align our efforts with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific," she added.

She cited a few examples of the cooperation that has been built between Canada and ASEAN, such as the forging of maritime cooperation to support sustainable marine resource management, reinforcing naval presence, as well as increasing participation in regional military exercises to increase maritime safety and security.

Canada is a trading nation and has free trade agreements with some countries, such as those currently being negotiated with ASEAN and Indonesia, she added.

To support the cooperation, Canada has launched a Canadian Trade Gateway in Southeast Asia as a market point and catalyst for Canadian businesses to grow their engagement and presence in the region.

Canada, she added, will also appoint a new Canadian Indo-Pacific trade representative and open a new office for agriculture and agri-food in the region to support food security.

Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which was launched in November last year, presents a comprehensive road map for deepening its engagement in the Indo-Pacific over the next decade, increasing its contributions to regional peace and security, strengthening economic growth and resilience, enhancing its significant people-to-people ties, and supporting sustainable development across the region.

The strategy outlines five interconnected strategic objectives: promoting peace, resilience, and security; expanding trade, investment, and supply-chain resilience; investing in and connecting people; building a sustainable and green future; and positioning Canada as an active and engaged partner in the Indo-Pacific.

"We are committed to collaboration and are motivated by the idea that our future prosperity and security is best served when all countries, larger or small, abide by global and regional rules. We are looking forward to active Canadian participation in ASEAN this year under the Indonesian chair," she affirmed.

ANTARA

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