Media Release
28 May 2026
This year, ASEAN and Australia celebrate the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a series of events in Jakarta, underscoring a shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. A special panel exhibition was officially opened by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Tiffany McDonald, showcasing our CSP’s deep cooperation on shared priorities. Representatives from ASEAN and Australian also gathered for an Australian barbeque at the ASEAN Secretariat, fostering connections.
“Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has always been more than a title. It unlocked more resources for the partnership, including the $204 million Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative. Over the past five years, it has delivered practical outcomes across ASEAN’s communities,” Ambassador McDonald reflected. “As we celebrate this milestone, Australia remains committed to working with ASEAN to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous shared region with ASEAN at its centre.”
“The establishment of a CSP in 2021 reflected not only the maturity of ASEAN-Australia ties, but also a shared understanding that the challenges ahead require deeper cooperation, greater engagement, and more ambition,” said Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.
The 16th ASEAN-Australia Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) on 26 May was co-chaired by Ambassador Derry Aman, Indonesia’s Permanent Representive to ASEAN and Ambassador McDonald for Australia. The JCC reaffirmed the strong momentum of the ASEAN-Australia CSP, reflecting on the quality of our cooperation on shared priorities, including energy and food security, and working together to prevent conflict in our shared region. To mark the occasion, Ambassador McDonald announced the payment of AUD7 million to the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative Trust Fund, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to ASEAN‑led regional cooperation that delivers practical benefits across the region.
“The fifth anniversary of the CSP reflects the trust, shared commitment, and enduring partnership that ASEAN and Australia have built over the years. As we navigate an increasingly complex regional and global landscape, ASEAN values Australia’s continued support as the first ASEAN Dialogue Partner, for ASEAN Centrality, ASEAN-led mechanisms, and ASEAN Community-building efforts,” said Ambassador M.I Derry Aman.
The fifth anniversary of the CSP marks an important milestone in ASEAN-Australia relations, building on over five decades of dialogue partnership. Together, ASEAN and Australia continue to advance a partnership for the future.
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