Summary of the UK Minister of State for Indo-Pacific trip to Southeast Asia on 29 February – 04 March 2024

The UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific, the Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, completed her visit to Southeast Asia nations including Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Cambodia from 29 February to 04 March 2024, focus on maritime security and strengthening UK’s diplomatic tie. According to the Press Release from the FCDO, UK viewing the maritime security is increased threat than ever and is looking to strengthen its cooperation with maritime nations including Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines.

UK Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan Trip to Indonesia

Minister Trevelyan made her third visit to Indonesia on 28-29 February as part of her Southeast Asia trip commemorating the countries’ 75th Anniversary since they established formal diplomatic relations on 19 December 1949.

At the Bali Regional Maritime Security Symposium under the Fund and delivered by the UK Government, Indonesia and the UK also aims to improve collaboration from UNCLOS, maritime domain awareness, port security, the ASEAN Maritime Outlook to illegal unreported and unregulated fishing and climate security.

The Minister met Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. The UK expressed its desire to enhance cooperation in economic development, digital transformation, and regional stability. Minister Marsudi mentioned that the meeting also addressed matters concerning Myanmar and the Indo-Pacific region.

During this visit, Minister Trevelyan also held a meeting with Indonesia Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Nezar Patria, to discuss further collaboration on digital transformation, AI, digital access and literacy, combating disinformation, and enhancing technical capabilities for e-governance development.

Minister Trevelyan also met with Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlannga Hartarto, discussed focused on Indonesia’s economic development, including their’ plans to join OECD with the support of the UK. Additionally, the UK and Indonesia have taken on the role of Co-Chairs for the Forest, Agriculture Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue activities.

UK Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan Trip to Timor-Leste

From 01-02 March 2024, Minister Trevelyan visited Timor Leste, and alongside Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, announced the UK’s intention to re-open a permanent diplomatic mission in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste. This significant decision is a testament to the UK’s enduring commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s development and the accession to become ASEAN Members.

UK Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan Trip to Cambodia

After the trip to Timor-Leste, from 02-04 March 2024, the UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Rt. Hon. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, made her first visit to Cambodia. The purpose of her visit was to engage in discussion with Cambodian officials on enhancing cooperation of economic, development and education.

During her visit, the UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific toured the National Museum alongside Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, H.E. Phoeurng Sackona. Together, they engaged in discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation on cultural ties. They explored the following initiatives: 1. Exploring the potential for signing an MOU on the Prevention of Illegal Movement of Antiquities; 2. Providing assistance in sending experts to aid in the preservation of gold sewers and offering suggestions on how to securely display sewers to prevent cracking and moisture damage during exhibitions; 3. Considering the feasibility of sending skilled officers to deliver short or long training courses in the UK, particularly at SOAS University of London. Minister Sackona also expressed gratitude to the UK government for their assistance in repatriating Khmer statues that were unlawfully exported back to Cambodia.

During her visit, Minister Trevelyan with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth to discuss how the UK is supporting sustainable development in Cambodia. They also explored avenues through which both governments could collaborate to address British business challenges in Cambodia.

Moreover, Minister Trevelyan also met with the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Chem Widya. Minister Trevelyan commended the support for Cambodia and ASEAN while emphasizing the UK’s backing for human rights in Cambodia and its continued development.[3] The UK also expressed support for civil society on the civil and political space in Cambodia.

Additionally, Minister Trevelyan met with UK business community and the BritCham in Cambodia, toured the De Montfort University, the first UK university campus in Cambodia, and the civil organisation.

Read full summary here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F8UMpS1euiNhtI9gN2LohhAMalES7-OV/view?usp=sharing