Melbourne, Australia
March 5, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined his fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders attending the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, along with the spouses, for a dinner at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne, Australia.

The NGV was founded in 1861 and is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia, playing host to a wide range of international and local artists in the NGV Collection and its year-round program of exhibition, festivals and events. Its permanent collection includes more than 75,000 works spanning the history and development of Australian, First Nations and international art, design and architecture.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Australia’s partnership with the ASEAN since becoming its first Dialogue Partner in 1974. It is the second time that the nation is hosting the ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste.

The Special Summit takes place in Melbourne, the capital of the Australian State of Victoria, known as the cultural and sporting capital of the country where sporting events such as Formula 1 and the Australian Open are being held. It is likewise famous for its trams, vibrant art scene and cultural diversity, having over 140 cultures from around the world being represented.

*****