PHOTO RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

31 March 2025, CANBERRA – The ASEAN Committee in Canberra met with Foreign Minister Penny Wong at Parliament House on 26 February 2025 and discussed the steady progress in deepening cooperation between Australia and the region, including under Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. They reiterated the shared commitment to address common challenges, and seize opportunities in future-oriented areas such as the digital and green economies, and the regional energy transition.

Australia became ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner in 1974 and ASEAN’s first ever Comprehensive Strategic Partner in 2021. Australia and ASEAN share a strong and dynamic partnership across diverse sectors, including trade and investment, education, STEM and addressing transnational crime, tourism, and culture. This enduring relationship is built on a foundation of deep friendship and strong people-to-people connections.

Singapore presently holds the Chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Canberra . The other members of ASEAN are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, with Timor-Leste as in-principle member. The Philippines will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026. -END