Asean, Australia to mark 40 years of partnership

MANILA, Philippines–The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Australia will mark 40 years of their successful dialogue partnership through an official launch of the Asean-Australia 40th Anniversary Commemoration on Feb. 20 at The Peninsula Manila Hotel in Makati City.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. INQUIRER / AFP PHOTOS

As a capstone to four decades of strong partnership, the official launch will also serve as a great opportunity to chart a new strategic direction, complementing Asean’s focus on strengthening regional integration through the Asean Community 2015 and beyond.

A statement issued Tuesday by the Department of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will lead the launch in the presence of Asean Secretary-General Le Luong Minh. The event also envisions the gathering of top diplomats, including the Heads of Mission/Representatives of all Asean Member States and Dialogue Partners in the Philippines, as they reflect on the depth of Asean-Australia engagement in security, culture, trade, education, people-to-people exchanges and development.

The official logo of the Asean-Australia 40th Anniversary Commemoration will likewise be unveiled during the event.

Australia is Asean’s first formal dialogue partner.