Ambassador of Canada to Indonesia, Nadia Burger, giving a speech at a seminar on Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy in Jakarta on February 17, 2023. (Photo: ANTARA/VNA) Speaking at a seminar in Jakarta on February 17, Burger affirmed that Canadadeeply respects the centrality of ASEAN in the region. Ottawa will support theASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) although Canada has devised its ownstrategy for the Indo-Pacific, which is called Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, she said.
She added the strategy clearly reaffirms the centrality ofASEAN in the region, and the country will work to align its efforts with the ASEANOutlook on the Indo-Pacific.
The diplomat cited a few examples of the cooperation that has been built between Canadaand ASEAN, such as forging maritime cooperation to support sustainablemarine resource management, reinforcing naval presence, as well as increasingparticipation in regional military exercises to enhance maritime safety and security.
Canada also has free trade agreements with some countries,such as those currently being negotiated with ASEAN and Indonesia, she added.
To support the cooperation, Canada has launched a Canadian Trade Gateway inSoutheast Asia as a market point and catalyst for Canadian businesses to growtheir engagement and presence in the region.
She added Canada will also appoint a new Canadian Indo-Pacific traderepresentative and open a new office for agriculture and agri-food in theregion to support food security.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which was launched in November in 2022,presents a comprehensive road map for deepening its engagement in theIndo-Pacific over the next decade, increasing its contributions to regionalpeace and security, strengthening economic growth and resilience, enhancing itssignificant people-to-people ties, and supporting sustainable developmentacross the region.
The strategy outlines five interconnected strategic objectives: promotingpeace, resilience, and security; expanding trade, investment, and supply-chainresilience; investing in and connecting people; building a sustainable andgreen future; and positioning Canada as an active and engaged partner in theIndo-Pacific.
The ambassador affirmed Canada is committed to collaboration and motivated bythe idea that future prosperity and security is best served when allcountries, larger or small, abide by global and regional rules./.
VNA
