Prime Minister Narendra Modi  said he will highlight the “key issue” of the importance of international cooperation against black money during the G20 summit in Brisbane.

In his departure statement before his visit to Myanmar, Australia and Fiji, Modi said ASEAN was at the core of India’s Look East Asia policy and at the centre of its dream of an Asian century.

Modi said that during his visit beginning Tuesday, he will meet over 40 leaders from countries of Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and the Pacific region as also heads of many multilateral institutions.

“These meetings are taking place at a time of multiple global challenges. I look forward to seeking a global environment that supports our aspirations for economic development and a peaceful world,” he said.

The prime minister said he was fully conscious of the significance of the India-ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit Nov 12-13 in Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi Taw, the G20 Summit at Brisbane in Australia, his bilateral visit to Australia and the visit to Fiji Islands.

He said the ten-nation ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was India’s continental and maritime neighbour, linked by centuries-old ties.

“ASEAN is at the core of our Act East Policy and at the centre of our dream of an Asian century, characterized by cooperation and integration. I am looking forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders how to take our relationship to a new level,” he said.

Referring to the G20 summit Nov 15-16, Modi said he intended to discuss how “we can accelerate the creation of next generation infrastructure, which also includes digital infrastructure, and ensure access to clean and affordable energy”.

“A key issue for me would be to highlight the importance of international cooperation against black money,” he said.

On the sidelines of the G20, Modi would hold bilateral meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande, Canada’s Stephen Harper and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy,

In Australia, Modi would be holding a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott – their second meeting in two months.

In his departure statement, Modi said he was looking forward to his four-city, three-day visit to Australia with great enthusiasm.

“I am conscious of the fact that a prime ministerial visit from India is taking place after 28 years,” he said, noting that India and Australia have much in common but their political, strategic and economic relations have been below potential.

“A closer strategic partnership with Australia will support India’s economic goals, promote our security interests, including maritime security and reinforce our efforts to foster a climate of peace and stability in our extended continental and maritime neighbourhood,” he said.

In Fiji where the prime minister travels on Nov 19, he would be holding a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.