On 20 February 2025, H.E. Mr. Paisan Rupanichkij, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the 37^th ASEAN-Australia Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Meeting was co-chaired by Australia and Indonesia, the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations. Timor-Leste also attended the Meeting as observer.

The Meeting discussed progress and ways to further strengthen cooperation under the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), especially following the celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations in 2024. The Meeting also exchanged views on regional and international issues.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary led the discussion on ASEAN-Australia economic relations and highlighted four areas in which to pursue economic cooperation, namely trade and investment, digital economy, green economy, and food security. The Deputy Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of forging closer trade and investment cooperation, particularly through full utilisation of the network of Free Trade Agreements such as the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He also encouraged further strengthening cooperation on digital economy with Australia under the upcoming ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and also stepping up joint efforts to combat online scams, including through the Counter Trafficking in Persons Centre of Excellence in Bangkok under the ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking Program. The Deputy Permanent Secretary reiterated Thailand’s wish to deepen cooperation on  green economy to tackle climate-related issues such as transboundary haze pollution and called for further public-private partnership to strengthen food security. He also called for closer cooperation on public health, including through the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.

Deputy Permanent Secretary met with Ms. Michelle Chan, Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, and exchanged views on regional developments. The Deputy Permanent Secretary also attended the Launch of the Australia - Southeast Asia (Regional) Development Partnership Plan 2024-2028, published by the government of Australia.