ASEAN was formed in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia joined in later years to make up today's 10 Member States of ASEAN.
In 2015, ASEAN launched the ASEAN Community with the aim of ensuring Southeast Asia remain an integrated, prosperous and stable region. The ASEAN Community includes three pillars: the Political Security Community, Economic Community and Socio Cultural Community.
Australia became ASEAN's first Dialogue Partner in 1974 - a formal status conferred to countries to deepen relations - and a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN in 2021.
In 2022, ASEAN agreed in-principle to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN, and adopted a roadmap for Timor-Leste's full membership. This is supported by granting observer status to Timor-Leste to attend ASEAN meetings.
For more detailed information about Australia and ASEAN's relationship, visit the Department of the Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
