The 37th edition of the ASEAN-Australia Forum was held at the ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia on 20th February, 2025. The Forum provides a platform to Senior Officials of ASEAN and Australia to review the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, discuss the direction of the ASEAN-Australia partnership, and exchange views on issues of regional and international significance. From the Australian side, the meeting was led by Ms. Michelle Chan, Deputy Secretary for South and Southeast Asia and Australia’s Senior Official for ASEAN, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the East Asia Summit, whereas, the Indonesian side was represented by Mr. Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, who is the Senior Officials’ Meeting leader for ASEAN-Indonesia.
The Meeting discussed the progress and ways to further strengthen cooperation under the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), particularly following the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations in 2024.
The highlight of the event was the launch of the Australia-Southeast Asia Regional Development Partnership Plan (2024-2028) that reinforces Australia’s development cooperation with the ASEAN region. The Development Partnership Plan (DPP) brings to fore the collective priorities of ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that encompasses the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, address climate change and energy transition, empower women and girls, advance disability and social inclusion, and strengthen community resilience across the Southeast Asia region.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand Mr. Paisan Rupanichkij led the discussion on ASEAN-Australia economic relations and highlighted four areas of economic cooperation, namely, trade and investment, digital economy, green economy, and food security. Mr. Rupanichkij stressed on the importance of forging closer trade and investment partnership, particularly through the utilisation of Free Trade Agreements such as the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He also encouraged the further strengthening of cooperation on digital economy with Australia under the upcoming ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and stepping up joint efforts to combat online scams, including through the Counter Trafficking in Persons Centre of Excellence in Bangkok under the ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking Program.
Background of ASEAN-Australia Partnership
The partnership between ASEAN and Australia spans more than five decades, and is considered as one of the most longstanding relationships in the region. Since its inception in 1974, the collaboration has extended to include all three pillars of the ASEAN Community. Australia has emerged as an invaluable partner in supporting ASEAN Community-building and integration efforts, making substantial contributions to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The elevation of their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021 has further enhanced ASEAN-Australia cooperation, establishing it as one of ASEAN’s most dynamic and comprehensive dialogue partnerships. Australia consistently demonstrates its support for ASEAN Centrality through active engagement in all ASEAN-led mechanisms.
