Anthony Albanese to host ASEAN leaders plenary, retreat with region’s security on agenda

Anthony Albanese will use a special meeting with South-East Asian leaders to spell out the ‘central role’ ASEAN plays in the region’s prosperity and security.

Anthony Albanese will host the ASEAN leaders plenary and retreat on Wednesday, as he commits $61.5m to fund a suite of initiatives to deepen ties with the group of South Asian countries against a backdrop of greater competition in the region.

In welcoming his fellow leaders to the plenary in Melbourne, the Prime Minister will highlight the “central role” ASEAN has played in the region’s prosperity and security over the last five decades, and his hopes that might continue moving forward.

In a veiled mention of China, Mr Albanese will tell his fellow leaders that South East Asia “is where Australia’s destiny lies”, and Australia will continue to support the group’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific to “ensure the stability and peace of our region”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese poses for a group photo with leaders at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host the ASEAN leaders plenary and summit. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

He will tell the leaders it’s crucial they articulate “our common vision” for the next 50 years, and to position ourselves “so we can seize and shape the opportunities transforming the region that all of us call home”.

“I hope you leave Australia with a deeper understanding of Australia’s commitment to our region and our optimism for its future,” he will say.

During the summit, leaders will discuss trade and investment, climate and clean energy transition, maritime cooperation, and emerging leadership.

“This is the breadth of our agenda – the shared prosperity we can achieve through closer trade and investment, the shared opportunity we have to act on climate and embrace clean energy, the shared responsibility we have to deepen our maritime cooperation and our shared faith in our emerging leaders,” Mr Albanese will say.

Mr Albanese has committed $61.5m to fund a suite of initiatives to deepen ties with ASEAN partners. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

A day after announcing his government would establish a $2bn finance facility to fund green energy and infrastructure investment in South-East Asia, Mr Albanese will announce a a$6.9m energy corporation package.

As part of a package aimed at further strengthening cooperation with ASEAN countries, Australia will also fund English language training for Timor-Leste to support its path to full ASEAN membership.

In addition, it will fund more than 75 new Aus4ASEAN scholarships to support emerging leaders from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste to study in Australia, and 55 Aus4ASEAN fellowships to support mid-career officials and professionals to undertake professional development activities.

An ASEAN-Australia centre will be established in Canberra, focusing on strengthening business, education, cultural and community connections between Australia, ASEAN member states, and Timor-Leste.