The Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and the UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan spoke of the importance of deepening strategic cooperation between the UK and the region during a visit to King's College London this week.
They were speaking at the launch of a new Indo-Pacific Programme at the university which will bring together experts to navigate complex challenges and shape understanding of maritime security, technology and defence in the region.
Senator Wong said the Programme, led by the Centre of Grand Strategy in the School of Security Studies, was "the first of its kind in the UK" aimed at understanding the geostrategic dynamics of the Indo-Pacific.
If conflict were to break out in the Indo-Pacific, it would be catastrophic - for our people and our prosperity. And with the Indo-Pacific's centrality to global prosperity and security, the cost would extend far beyond us and reach into every region. We must ensure that competition between major powers is managed responsibly.– Senator Penny Wong
Ms Trevelyan, Minister of State in the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, discussed the importance of continuing to strengthen relations between Britain and Australia. She stated that the refresh of the Integrated Review of the UK's security, defence, development and foreign policy will demonstrate Britain's "long-term commitment" to the Indo-Pacific.
"The Indo-Pacific is at the heart of our long-term strategic relationships, crucial to sustaining our values of free trade, freedom of action, and freedom from coercion. Our work together will ensure that citizens can grow in peace and prosperity." – Anne-Marie Trevelyan, UK Minister of State (Indo-Pacific)
