Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, will travel to Vientiane, Laos from 9-11 October for the 4th Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and 19th East Asia Summit.

This visit is vital to advocating for Australia’s interests for a more prosperous and stable region, and will build on the success of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held in Melbourne in March, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to securing peace and a sustainable future for the region.

Deepening engagement with Southeast Asia is a priority of the Australian Government. Stability in the region is crucial for Australia’s future.

ASEAN is Australia’s second largest two-way trading partner. Trade supports one in four Australian jobs, with half a million jobs in Australia already linked to trade with Southeast Asia. More than one million Australians have Southeast Asian heritage, reflecting our personal ties in the region.

In Vientiane, Prime Minister Albanese will meet with leaders and business representatives to discuss work underway to boost two-way trade and investment through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Strategy to 2040.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I look forward to building on the success of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit earlier this year and thank Prime Minister Sonexay for hosting these vital meetings.

“We are committed to working with our partners to pursue a peaceful, stable and prosperous region with ASEAN at the centre.

"We are also acting to grasp economic opportunities in a region of incredible vitality and promise. Trade creates jobs for our nation and helps build our Future Made in Australia agenda.

“My Government will continue to work closely with our partners to maximise opportunities for Australian businesses and workers within the region.”