Australia strengthens economic ties with southeast Asia

Australia was set today to sign a friendship treaty with southeast Asia, formally acknowledging that its economic future is tied to the region after holding back on joining the accord for more than a decade.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer was scheduled to sign the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation, a non-aggression pledge with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations at their annual gathering of ministers and leaders.

Australia had balked at signing the accord since about 15 years ago, when it started seeking closer ties with ASEAN. Canberra claimed the pact could conflict with obligations under other treaties, including with the US, arousing suspicion among Southeast Asian nations and curtailing trade relations.

Australia dropped its objections and announced its intention to sign the pact in July after ASEAN made it a key condition for joining the inaugural East Asia Summit, seen as a precursor to creating a pan-Asian economic and strategic community.