Melbourne, Australia
March 5, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. participated in the Official Welcome Ceremony for the Leaders attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)–Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia.

The event was the President’s first in a series of activities in the Special Summit that celebrates half a century of partnership between the ASEAN and Australia. After taking a family photo, the Leaders witnessed a Smoking Ceremony performed by the Wurundjeri community which symbolizes a spiritual cleansing.

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and the Bunurong Boon Wurrung of the Eastern Kulin Nation are the Traditional Custodians of the City of Melbourne.

After the ceremony, President Marcos Jr. and the rest of the ASEAN Leaders proceeded to the Prime Minister’s Reception.

*****