Indian Ocean security threats on par with Pacific: Wong

Ms Wong said more active diplomacy is needed to face a greater risk of conflict in the Indian Ocean. (HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE)

Unprecedented threats facing the Indian Ocean are just as serious as those confronting Pacific nations, with regional security, climate change and humanitarian issues causing major concern, Australia's foreign minister says.

Penny Wong put a spotlight on issues in the vast waters to Australia's west during a speech at the Indian Ocean Conference in Perth on Friday night.