H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, is scheduled to join the delegation led by H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister, to attend the ASEAN – Australia Special Summit during 17 – 18 March 2018 in Sydney, Australia.

          The ASEAN – Australia Special Summit where Leaders will meet under the theme of “Enhancing Regional Security and Prosperity” will be held on 18 March 2018, followed by the Leaders’ Retreat under the theme of “Regional and International Strategic Issues of Common Interests” on the same day. Preceding the Summit on 17 March 2018 will be two major side-events: 

(1) a Business Summit and (2) a Counter-Terrorism Conference.

          There will also be other activities organized by Australia to be attended by ASEAN Leaders: (1) the New Colombo Plan Afternoon Tea during which ASEAN Leaders will meet Australian students who have studied in their countries under the New Colombo Plan and ASEAN students who received Australia Awards Scholarship to study in Australia; (2) the Closing Ceremony of the Counter-Terrorism Conference during which the Leaders will witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ASEAN and the Government of Australia on Co-operation to Combat International Terrorism, and (3) a Leaders’ Welcome Reception to be attended by representatives from leading ASEAN business and private sectors that will participate in the CEO Forum at the Business Summit organized by Australia.

          The Special Summit will have two outcome documents: (1) the Sydney Declaration which reflects the Leaders’ vision in promotion of regional security and prosperity, and (2) the ASEAN-Australia MoU on Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism. There are also 12 proposed initiatives of mutual interest to be announced that includes the ASEAN – Australia Digital Trade Standards Cooperation Initiative, the ASEAN – Australia Smart and Sustainable Cities Cooperation Initiative, and the Australia – ASEAN Cyber Policy Dialogue Cooperation Initiative. 

          The Summit is a good opportunity for ASEAN and Australia to advance strategic partnership in various dimensions, promote bilateral trade and investment, work hand-in-hand in solving non-traditional security issues, and deepen people-to-people connectivity. In addition, ASEAN – Australia cooperation will also help strengthen stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, further develop regional connectivity as well as enhance regional architecture through ASEAN centrality.