Australia appreciates Bangladesh's transition to inclusive future: Anne Aly

Australian Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly today (13 Cctober) said Australia welcomes Bangladesh's transition to a democratic and inclusive future and is committed to supporting these efforts.

"This week I will visit Bangladesh and India to deepen Australia's engagement with the Indian Ocean region," she said in a statement.

In Bangladesh, the Australian Minister will highlight their longstanding development cooperation, including by launching the Australia-Bangladesh Development Partnership Plan 2025-2030.

"I will also visit Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, where Bangladesh hosts over 1.1 million displaced Rohingyas. This is the largest and most complex humanitarian crisis in our region," she said.

Australia has committed a further $370 million over the next three years in humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, and displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh and their host communities.

This brings our total commitment since 2017 to over $1.26 billion.

She will then travel to India, where she looks forward to engaging with Indian political and multi-faith leaders to continue expanding our growing people to people connections.

With nearly one million Australians of Indian ancestry now calling Australia home, community connections are a critical part of this important relationship.

The Australian Minister will deliver a keynote address at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre where she will highlight the significant contributions made by Indian Australian communities in shaping Australia's proud multicultural identity and advancing our bilateral relationship.

These visits are a demonstration of the Albanese government's commitment to working with their Indian Ocean partners to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.