13-Oct-08 07:21pm AEDT
Labor believes that meaningful engagement is the best basis for foreseeable, stable and secure relations between Australia and its neighbours in Asia and the Pacific.
Australia's state and territory Labor governments have actively facilitated this process, supporting a range of political, economic and cultural partnerships across the region. We aim for a renewed commitment from a national Labor government, addressing the new issues facing the region, from capacity building to democracy; from economic growth to security from terrorism.
Our belief is that a stable, prosperous region is the paramount safeguard of Australia's security, as part of that region. Ongoing friendships with political parties in the region strengthen these bulwarks against insecurity in all its forms.