Australia and ASEAN Sign Counter-Terrorism Declaration

Today I will sign a Joint Australia-ASEAN Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism. Indonesia's Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda will sign for the member states of ASEAN.

This Declaration reflects our shared determination to work together as a region to eliminate international terrorism and reinforces the unprecedented levels of cooperation Australia has developed with ASEAN countries in fighting this threat.

Australia is providing extensive assistance to boost counter-terrorism measures in areas such as law enforcement, border control and transport security.

Together with Indonesia, Australia also co-chaired the Regional Ministerial Meeting on Counter-Terrorism in Bali in February 2004 and is actively engaged in taking forward practical outcomes agreed at the meeting.

Australia has concluded bilateral counter-terrorism Memorandums of Understanding with several ASEAN and other Asia-Pacific countries.

The Declaration builds on these existing arrangements and underlines the closeness of Australia's ties with ASEAN in this 30th anniversary year of formal Australia-ASEAN relations.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 - Julie McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555