Recent terrorist attacks have highlighted the evolving threat to regional peace and security. The rising threat of terrorism is a shared, transnational challenge. To respond effectively, it is essential to deepen and sustain cooperation across the region. The scale and links between terrorist groups mean that countries in the region must work together even more closely, sharing information and lessons learned to keep their citizens safe. 

Senior counter-terrorism officials from Australian and ASEAN member governments will convene at the Counter-Terrorism Conference with a view to enhancing regional connectivity and cooperation to combat terrorism and violent extremism. Officials will discuss how they can work together more effectively to combat this rapidly evolving threat, including through policy and law enforcement responses and by intensifying information sharing. The Conference will build on existing senior engagement and the ASEAN-Australia Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism agreed by Leaders in 2016.