Lawrence Wong’s Post

Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan's remarks at the 3rd Singapore-Pacific High-Level Visit, 20 May 2024: “Singapore and the Pacific Islands are natural partners. Except for Papua New Guinea, the rest of us are really tiny, and that includes Singapore – tiny, low lying island states. Therefore, we have to make common cause to have a collective commitment to deal with existential challenges as they arise; (and) more importantly, to work together because in this volatile, difficult and fractious world, it is necessary for tiny island states to work together.” https://lnkd.in/gZ6pYMDF

Through a flurry of activity, the government is positioning Italy within a key space in international affairs. Here’s how Rome is gathering momentum to have a bigger sway over several dossiers that impact all continents by Emanuele Rossi

As the 2024 ASEAN-Australia special summit commences today to commemorate 50 years of partnership, I find myself reflecting on my recent experience supporting the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. My sincere thanks to Ms. Sarah Hooper and the entire team for providing me with the invaluable opportunity to not only gain insights but also actively contribute to Australia's diplomatic efforts in the region. As a bloc, ASEAN is Australia’s second largest trading partner and with more than one million Aussies with a Southeast Asian heritage, our cultural, economic and strategic ties run deep, formed on mutual respect, transparency and people-to-people connections. As highlighted by the “Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040” report by Special Envoy Mr Nicholas Moore AO, the potential for this cooperation with ASEAN is yet to be fully realised. This summit therefore is a timely and critical platform for us to come together and set the foundation for an even stronger and more prosperous partnership for the future. Experiencing extreme FOMO for not being there in Melbourne to join in on the activities. However, I am optimistic about what this week will mean for the next 50 years of the ASEAN-Australia relationship! #ASEAN50AUS #AustraliaVietnam #Grateful Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

#Breaking - EU Leaders In China For Summit With High Stakes But Low Expectations Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8t6gHAT #europeanunion  #china   #climatechange This article has been fact-checked by Oigetit ✅

Comment The 18th East Asia Summit: Priorities of a Region in Flux By Dr Temjenmeren Ao The East Asia Summit remains critical to advancing closer regional cooperation, at a time of a rapid geo-political and geo-economic changes. https://lnkd.in/dHDbkh2D

"The relationship between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is like an intricate dance—a delicate interplay of political strategy, economic interests, and mutual global responsibilities." 🤝 As highlighted by the Friends of Europe in the recent EU-ASEAN forum, as these two regions come together, we can navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, creating a partnership that goes beyond mere economic benefits. This is a story of collaboration and mutual growth—a narrative that resonates with citizens across both regions to be a part of a prosperous, interconnected future.   Shameer Khanal, Roland Treitler, Florian Miß, and Michael Weiss, Principal Advisors at GIZ Indonesia & ASEAN, co-authored this article. The projects receive funding from the German government and are implemented in collaboration with The ASEAN Secretariat in political security, agriculture trade, and climate change topics. Read the article here! https://lnkd.in/gz8YNvY5 #EUASEANForum #EU #ASEAN #Germany #GIZ  

Excited to see this significant cooperation agreement come to live between the Europe - Asia Center and Pangoal Aligning not only our resources but a joint vision towards strengthening dialogue and exchanges, specifically in domain of green and just transition, we look forward to numerous projects in the coming months. #teamEAC #EuropeAsiaCenter #Pangoal #greentransition #justtransition #sustainability #Europe #China #Asia

❝The EU and ASEAN must recognise that their trade relationship is akin to a delicate regional and global ecosystem. ❞ Friends of Europe’s recent EU-ASEAN forum highlighted the need for interregional cooperation and collaboration between EU and ASEAN countries. Both regions share an intricate trade relationship that must balance political manoeuvring, economic interests and global responsibilities. This Critical Thinking article from Shameer Khanal, Cooperation Lead for ASEAN at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, examines the interregional relationship in greater detail, and outlines the necessary actions needed to foster a more robust partnership. If correctly managed, this trade partnership can yield meaningful, mutual benefits for both regions and complement their roles as global leaders, shaping our world for the better. ⤵ Read more below. #EUASEANForum #EU #ASEAN #StrategicPartnership 

Engaging China for a Sustainable Asia - Strategic Issues for 2024 | Dr. Christoph Nedopil Australian Institute of International Affairs 16 Feb 2024 China's economic, political, and military ascendancy has transformed its role in Asia, making it the region's predominant trading partner and investor.  The presentation analyses five major developments and trends to elucidate China's engagement in Asia, emphasizing the need for strategic cooperation and alternative approaches to ensure sustainability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. The outcome of these efforts will determine whether China's ambitions align with addressing climate change collaboratively or preparing for potential conflict.