Photo: Financial Review

Minister Payne will travel from Singapore where she attended the tenth Singapore Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC) with Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, and Minister for Trade, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, meeting with both the Thai and Vietnamese Prime Ministers and her counterpart Defence Ministers from all three countries. 

“Australia enjoys strong and dynamic defence relationships with Singapore, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, reinforced by the 65^th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Thailand and Laos, and the 50^th anniversary of ASEAN,” Minister Payne said.

“We will explore opportunities for increased defence engagement activities between our nations, including in maritime security and counter terrorism, share views on the region’s changing dynamics and discuss issues that affect our collective security and prosperity.

“This regional visit comes at a time when the focus of economic and strategic gravity in the world is shifting towards the Indo-Pacific and demonstrates Australia’s commitment to be an enduring, engaged and constructive partner in our region.”