Recognizing what it has become today, “the ASEAN-Australia dialogue relations has evolved and matured to cover a wide spectrum of political, security, economic, social, cultural and development cooperation,” Secretary-General Minh noted.
“This is a significant organization, with significant interests and influence, and Australia is proud to be a Dialogue Partner,” Minister Bishop said.

With the region now representing over 600 million people with a combined GDP of US$2.4 trillion, Minister Bishop described ASEAN as the “most important piece of regional architecture for Southeast Asia.”

After the Ministers’ exchange of remarks, the Official Logo of the ASEAN-Australia 40th Anniversary Commemoration was unveiled, depicting the synthesis of both regions’ flags, with emphasis on the number “40.”

‘Yolanda’ assistance and other cooperation areas
“It was an instinctive response, when we heard the news of Typhoon Yolanda and Australians gave from their hearts, and urged the government to do the same. Our contribution to the reconstruction and the humanitarian efforts now reaches about 100 million dollars,” Minister Bishop noted.

Del Rosario recognized Australia’s immediate response to Typhoon Yolanda, as well as its assistance towards capacity-building for the implementation of ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), especially the operationalization of the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Center).

He also looked forward for the continued support of Australia and other ASEAN Member States (AMS) to the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) Program.