Australia and Malaysia forge stronger ASEAN ties: High Commissioner Heinecke highlights deepening partnership

KUALA LUMPUR: The Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke, has underscored the robust partnership between Australia and Malaysia, emphasising their shared commitment to strengthening ties within the ASEAN region.

In a recent video message from the Australian High Commission in Malaysia's Facebook page, Heinecke likened the relation between Australia and ASEAN to the popular Malaysian pairing of "Roti Canai and Teh Tarik," illustrating the natural synergy between the two.

"This year, Malaysia and Australia worked together to support ASEAN initiatives on maritime cooperation, conflict prevention, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and building the skills needed for a great future," she said in the video.

Heinecke also expressed Australia's honour in hosting Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Melbourne back in March 2024 for the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, celebrating the 50-year partnership and the second Australia-Malaysia Annual Leaders' Meeting.

She noted the upcoming 70th anniversary of Australia's diplomatic presence in Malaysia in 2025, adding that Australia was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Malaysia.

"We are looking forward to celebrate our relationship which is founded in our deep people connections," said the high commissioner.

As Malaysia prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025, Heinecke said Australia is keen to support Malaysia.

"ASEAN matters to Malaysia, and it matters to us," she said.

She concluded her message with the phrase "Bersama Kita Lebih Teguh!".

-- BERNAMA