JAKARTA, 7 February 2024 – Ambassador of Australia to ASEAN, H.E. Tiffany McDonald, presented Letter of Credence (LOC) to Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, at the ASEAN Secretariat today.

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn congratulated Ambassador Tiffany McDonald on her appointment as the new Ambassador of Australia to ASEAN. He underscored the importance of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations that contributes to the development and promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. He stressed the commitment of both sides to further strengthen the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). He also expressed the ASEAN Secretariat’s readiness to work with Ambassador Tiffany McDonald and the Mission of Australia to ASEAN to promote ASEAN-Australia cooperation, especially in light of the 50^th Anniversary of Dialogue Relations this year.

Ambassador Tiffany McDonald appreciated the warm welcome by Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. She reaffirmed ASEAN as an important partner for Australia, and Australia’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with ASEAN under the ASEAN-Australia CSP, as well as supporting ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN Community- building efforts. She looked forward to working with the ASEAN Secretariat in advancing ASEAN-Australia relations. ASEAN and Australia established Dialogue Relations in 1974, which was elevated to Strategic Partnership in 2014 on the occasion of 40^th Anniversary of the relationship. Both sides established the ASEAN-Australia CSP in 2021. Over the past 50 years, cooperation between ASEAN and Australia have continuously developed, deepened and expanded to cover a wide range of areas across the three ASEAN Community pillars. Both sides are celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of Dialogue Relations this year with the convening of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit scheduled to be held in Melbourne, Australia, on 4-6 March 2024.