In a joint press release on Sep. 8, Payne and Dutton said that the tour would enable Australia to reinforce our active engagement in the region and advance Australia’s contribution to peace and stability in the region.
“Australia’s security and economic prosperity is deeply integrated with those of our regional partners in the Indo-Pacific. We share with these key partners a vision for an open, inclusive and resilient region, underpinned by mutual prosperity and stability,” the joint release said.
Payne noted that the most pressing issue for discussion is cooperation for the region’s recovery from COVID-19.
“During our meetings and engagements across the four countries, we will discuss our continuing partnerships to overcome the pandemic, including through the equitable, safe and effective distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and our shared path to global economic recovery,” Payne said.
While Dutton said, the visits were an important opportunity to build on already strong defence partnerships, particularly with the U.S. with the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS alliance.
“I am very much looking forward to meeting with my counterparts face-to-face to build on our already strong relationships and to discuss further our shared interests in keeping our region safe and secure,” Dutton said.
The ministers Payne and Dutton will also be attending the first Australia-United States Ministerial consultations (AUSMIN) with the Biden Administration in Washington on Sept. 16.
India-Australia Free Trade Agreement Fast-Tracked
A key part of the tour will be Payne and Dutton’s meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sept. 11 to discuss issues including economic security, cyber, and supply chains.The ministers note that the relationship between Australia and India is at a “historic high,” with the prospect of a free trade agreement with India also on the table.
In the address, Jaishankar also said the Indian Prime Minister had expressed his serious intention to advance the Australia-Indian relationship.
“I’ve heard specifically and regularly from my Prime Minister… do more with Australia, find a way of improving this relationship,” Jaishankar said.
In 2011, Australia begun negotiations with India for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Negotiations were suspended in 2015 then re-engaged in 2020 by both Prime Ministers.