Canberra/New Delhi: Ahead of her meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Canberra today, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that the two countries are close partners with strong strategic, economic and community ties.
The two ministers will be meeting for the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue.
“Australia and India are close partners with strong strategic, economic and community ties – almost one million Australians trace their heritage to India.
“We share a vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.
“Ahead of 2025 – the fifth year of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership – the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue is an opportunity to take stock of the progress we have made, and to chart the way forward for the next phase in our relationship.
“Minister Jaishankar and I will discuss how we can advance our cooperation in important sectors – including science and technology, clean energy, trade and investment – and how we can deepen our defence and maritime security engagement.
“India is the world’s fastest growing major economy, and on track to be the third largest by the end of the decade. India is an essential partner as we diversify our trade links and secure our supply chains.
“Minister Jaishankar and I will also attend ‘Raisina Down Under’, the Australian iteration of India’s Raisina Dialogue. This is an important forum to share views on the trends shaping our region.
“I look forward to what will be my 19th meeting with Minister Jaishankar and continuing to advance the Australia–India relationship,” she said in a statement.
UNI RN
