Jakarta (ANTARA) – Canada shares the same vision as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to maintain peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

This statement was made by Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste, Nadia Burger, during a seminar in Jakarta on Friday.

Besides ASEAN, which has an ASEAN Indo-Pacific Vision (AOIP), Canada also launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy in November last year. Canada involves several countries and regions, such as ASEAN, China, India and the North Pacific, in its cooperation framework.

“Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy clearly reaffirms ASEAN’s central role in the region, and we will work to align our efforts with ASEAN’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” said Burger.

Burger said several collaborations have been established between Canada and ASEAN, including maritime cooperation and increasing Canadian naval participation as well as regional military exercises to improve maritime safety and security.

Apart from this, he continued, Canada also has free trade agreements with many countries, including Indonesia.

It is for this reason that Canada launched a Southeast Asia Trade Gateway as an entry point for the Canadian business sector into the ASEAN region.

Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy is a comprehensive roadmap to increase Canada's contribution to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, strengthen economic growth and resilience, and improve community relations. (from person to person)and supports sustainable development throughout the region.

The strategy includes five strategic objectives, namely promoting peace, resilience and security; increase trade, investment and supply chain resilience; increase investment and the role of the community; build a green and sustainable future; and strengthen Canada's role as an active partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

“We are engaged in collaboration driven by the idea that our future prosperity and security will be best achieved if all countries, large and small, comply with global and regional regulations,” Burger said.

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