PUTRAJAYA: The direction of Asean and Australia’s relationship will be discussed at a special summit at the weekend in Sydney, Australia.
The Malaysian delegation will be led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (accompanied by wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor); Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman; and officials from the Prime Minister's Office, Foreign Ministry and Home Ministry.
Wisma Putra said the prime minister will be in Sydney for his working visit from tomorrow (March 17) until Sunday.
During the Asean-Australia Special Summit, the leaders of Asean nations and their down under neighbour are expected to deliver two important documents: the Sydney Declaration; and the Memorandum of Understanding between Asean and Australia on cooperation to counter international terrorism.
"This will be the first time Australia is hosting a summit with all Asean leaders in Australia," said Wisma Putra in a statement today.
The summit will comprise three sessions: the Asean-Australia Leader’s Summit, the Asean-Australia Business Summit and the Asean-Australia Counter-Terrorism Conference.
Wisma Putra said the event will also commemorate the elevation of Asean-Australia relations to a strategic partnership.
Apart from the summit, the prime minister is also expected to use the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with his Asean and Australian counterparts to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.