CANBERRA, November 13 /Medianet International - Asianet/ -- Australian Prime Minister, John Howar, has reaffirmed his commitment to Australia's engagement with Asia. In a speech in Melbourne this week, Mr Howard said: " I am unequivocally commited to deepening our engagement with the countries of Asia," adding "We share interests with our neighbours in a stable and prosperous region and are an active and highly regarded participant in building the region's future." He cited Australia's recent commitment of up to $US2 billion to the IMF-backed support packages for the Indonesian and Thai economies as demonstrating just how strong are Australia's "credentials as a good regional neighbour." Mr Howard expressed satisfaction that this commitment had been recognised by Asian leaders and the regional press. He said that Australia had acted from a sense of regional mutual obligation that is the foundation of any community. The Prime Minister emphasised that Australia's "success in creating a dynamic, diverse, tolerant and united nations is an immense achievement. It is a beacon in our region and the world." "Those who seek to diminish that achievementdo Australia a great disservice", he said. Mr Howard made his comments during a lecture, delivered on Armistice Day, in honour of Australian war hero, surgeon and sportsman, Edward (Weary) Dunlop. Dunlop was leading light in the Asia Australia Society and played an active role, as a surgeon, in Australia's development assistance programs in a number of Asian countries. He died in 1993. The Prime Minister reflected , "Dunlop understood that being a neighbour has less to do with geography that it does with actions, that being a neighbour meant respecting the qualities and cultures of others". For further information please contact: Chris De Cure Tel 61 2 6261 3767