With more than four decades of robust cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its member states, Canada is further strengthening its long-lasting partnership with ASEAN and contributing to our mutual interests in security, economic prosperity and sustainable development.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be travelling to Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 13 to 15, 2023, to attend the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings.
On July 13, Minister Joly will participate in the ASEAN-Canada Post Ministerial Conference with ASEAN Foreign Ministers to advance shared priorities. Minister Joly will discuss with her counterparts key issues, such as regional stability, respect for the rules-based international order, inclusive economic growth, and mitigating climate change. She will also take the opportunity to provide an update on the progress of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy implementation in the region, highlighting its alignment with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
On July 14, Minister Joly will attend the 30th ASEAN Regional Forum to exchange views on pressing regional peace and security issues. Key topics of discussion will include tensions in the East and South China Seas, the Myanmar crisis, the continued threats posed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (North Korea) nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. The Minister will reiterate Canada's steadfast support for ASEAN centrality in addressing regional challenges with international partners to uphold a free, open, stable, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
