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​The Retreat Session of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit took place at the Ballroom, Government House Victoria, in which His Majesty in a titah expresses concern over the intensifying global geo-political uncertainties and evolving challenges, affecting this region, despite them happening far away. His Majesty adds, the prolonged supply chain disruptions, have led to higher food and energy prices and the creation of various Indo-Pacific strategies and minilaterals could further add to the uncertainties and challenges already faced. In this regard, ASEAN developed the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, AOIP to promote an enabling environment for peace and cooperation, based on the principles of openness, inclusivity, and transparency. His Majesty underscores that the region's continued prosperity is dependent on peace and stability in the surrounding seas and oceans, especially as 60 per cent of global trade passes through its maritime area. Such maritime trade not only presents safety and security challenges, but can also have an adverse impact to the marine environment, including due to pollution and degradation of natural habitats. This is why, His Majesty states, maritime cooperation is a priority area in the AOIP in which such issues can be jointly addressed. To this end, working together with Australia is welcomed, to enhance maritime domain awareness for the sustainable management of marine resources, conserving biodiversity and ensuring safe and secure sea lanes. Touching on the ongoing and urgent global climate change challenge, His Majesty also underlines the importance of cooperating with Australia on addressing the matter, which has resulted in more frequent severe weather events, caused damages to infrastructures and also disrupted agricultural activities. Thus, ASEAN and Australia need to work together to mitigate the impacts of climate change on peoples' lives, and to fulfil the commitments made at the 28th Conference of the Parties, especially towards energy transition.

In ending the titah, His Majesty says Australia's continued support through the Climate Change Action Strategy as well as their continued commitment to provide assistance to operationalise the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam, that will facilitate regional coordination and develop strategies to address climate change were greatly appreciated.

Source:
RTB NEWS

by RTB NEWS

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