The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia joined in later years to make up today’s ten ASEAN Member States.
Australia became ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner in 1974 – formalising our shared goal to deepen our relationship. With over fifty years of cooperation, ASEAN and Australia are committed to working together to maintain a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
In 2021, we took a historic step to become Comprehensive Strategic Partners, intensifying our cooperation with ASEAN, agreeing to shared priorities, increasing resources and advancing new programs.
In 2025, ASEAN Leaders agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025. We are a longstanding and strong supporter of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession.
ASEAN–Australia Special Summit 2024
In March 2024, Australia held the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations.
The Melbourne Declaration and Leaders’ Vision Statement were adopted at the Special Summit, outlining our shared ambitions for the next 50 years of our partnership.
ASEAN Leaders, the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and the Australian Prime Minister announced the establishment of the ASEAN-Australia Centre at the Special Summit, to drive business, education, cultural and community connections between Australia and the region.