Melbourne, Australia
March 6, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with his fellow Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, joined the Leaders’ Luncheon hosted by Victoria Governor Margaret Gardner as the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit continues in Melbourne on March 6, 2024.

Leaders were ushered to sign the guest book upon their arrival at the Government House Victoria. They also had an opportunity to interact with a koala, an iconic animal native in Australia.

During this time, Leaders also posed for an Informal Family Photo session.

The ASEAN is the premier regional grouping in Southeast Asia that aims to promote political, economic and social cooperation, and regional stability. Formed in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, the bloc was later joined by Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar and Cambodia, making up today’s 10 Member States. In 2022, ASEAN Leaders announced their agreement in principle to admit Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member. Timor-Leste is attending ASEAN events as an observer on its path to full membership.

Australia recognizes that its prosperity, security and economic future are intimately linked to Southeast Asia. As a regional bloc, ASEAN is Australia’s second largest trading partner, reflecting around 15% of its total trade. In 2022, Australia’s trade with ASEAN Member States was recorded at AUD178 billion and its two-way investment with the bloc was at AUD248.7 billion.

With the Philippine economy growing at an average of 6% per year, said to be one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, Australia deems the Philippines an important trade and investment partner. In 2022, Australia’s two-way trade with the Philippines was recorded at AUD8.2 billion, making the country its 17th largest trading partner.

(https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/philippines/philippines-country-brief)

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