Melbourne, Australia
March 5, 2024

Following the Official Welcome Ceremony, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos proceeded to a reception hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Leaders attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)–Australia Special Summit.

The Leaders were led by the Wurundjeri community, the Traditional Custodians of the City of Melbourne, after performing a Smoking Ceremony that symbolized a spiritual cleansing.

Upon their arrival in the reception venue, the Wurundjeri Elder conducted a spoken ‘Welcome to the Country’, a ceremony allowing guests to utilize their resources.

They also witnessed the performances of the Young Voices of Melbourne and Australian singer Jessica Mauboy.

After the Prime Minister’s Reception, the President and the First Lady, along with the rest of the Leaders attending the Special Summit, departed for the National Gallery of Victoria for a Leaders’ and Spouses Dinner.

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