Penny Wong's Strategic Diplomatic Tour: Strengthening Ties in Asia

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong will visit Laos, Japan, and South Korea, engaging in ASEAN, Quad meetings, and bilateral talks. This tour aims to bolster regional stability, cooperation, and resilience, celebrating 50 years of Australia's partnership with ASEAN.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is set to embark on a strategic diplomatic tour, visiting Laos, Japan, and South Korea next week. Her itinerary includes participating in ASEAN meetings, the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and conducting bilateral discussions in South Korea.

Wong will mark the 50th anniversary of Australia becoming ASEAN's first dialogue partner. She emphasized the importance of ASEAN in regional stability and prosperity, expressing strong support for Laos's leadership as the current ASEAN chair. At the ASEAN-Australia Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Laos, she aims to advance agreements reached at Melbourne's Special Summit.

In Tokyo, Wong will engage with counterparts from Japan, India, and the United States during the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting, focusing on regional priorities such as infrastructure, supply chains, and security. The Quad aims to support a stable and resilient Indo-Pacific. In Seoul, Wong will meet South Korea's Foreign Minister to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance economic security, and disrupt North Korea's threats. Her tour underscores Australia's commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

(With inputs from agencies.)