Sydney Dialogue: Deputy Sec-Gen stresses ASEAN's resilience in face of global challenges

JAKARTA: The deputy secretary-general for ASEAN Political-Security Community, Datuk Astanah Abdul Aziz, underscored the link between economic issues and regional security during the Sydney Dialogue on Monday.

Speaking at the panel discussion titled "Back to the Future - Building Resilient Economies in the Era of New Competition", organised by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, she emphasised ASEAN's comprehensive approach to security.

Astanah stressed that "it is important for ASEAN to remain resilient amidst various challenges that resulted from geopolitical and geostrategic developments as well as from economic issues".

The session, moderated by Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Shadow Minister for Cyber Security of Australia, Senator James Paterson, explored how economic resilience is crucial in the face of evolving global challenges.

In a related engagement, Astanah met with Australia's Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tim Watts, on the sidelines of the event, according to the ASEAN Secretariat.

The discussions focused on ASEAN-Australia relations in light of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations and strategies to advance the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Sydney Dialogue, which brings together global leaders, technology experts, and innovators, addresses pressing issues in cyber and critical technology with a particular focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

The event highlights significant trends in international technology, security and geopolitics, and examines the impact of over 80 national elections scheduled for 2024 amid shifting global power dynamics and ongoing conflicts.

-- BERNAMA