14/05/2026
ASEAN and Australia are partners for the future.
Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Tiffany McDonald, joined DFAT Deputy Secretary for South and Southeast Asia Group, Michelle Chan, and ASEAN Senior Officials in Sydney for a series of engagements reinforcing ASEAN-Australia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, now in its 5th year, which advances shared efforts to maintain a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
At the 38th ASEAN-Australia Forum, we reaffirmed our commitment to advancing practical cooperation in support of our shared objectives to maintain free and open trade, including energy security and resilient supply chains. We reaffirmed ASEAN centrality and the crucial role of ASEAN-led regional architecture in shaping rules, building relationships - reinforcing peace and resilience in our shared region.
Together, we also discussed progress under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, AANZFTA and RCEP, as we focus on deepening trade and investment ties, strengthening regional connectivity, and supporting ASEAN’s economic priorities. Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore AO, joined the ASEAN Senior Officials to discuss how Invested is helping unlock new opportunities across the region.
Launched in 2024, the ASEAN-Australia Centre has become an important platform for deepening engagement with ASEAN’s vibrant diaspora in Australia, and improved Southeast Asia literacy in Australia. ASEAN Senior Officials met with the Advisory Board to hear about the Centre’s role in strengthening business, education, cultural and community links between ASEAN and Australia.
Together, these engagements reflected the breadth and depth of ASEAN-Australia cooperation, and our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
A Partnership for Peace and Prosperity.
A Partnership for the Future.
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