Visit to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea for ASEAN-led summits and APEC

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia for ASEAN and Gyeongju in the Republic of Korea for APEC from 26 October to 1 November 2025.

During the visit, Prime Minister Albanese will attend the 20th East Asia Summit, the 5th ASEAN-Australia Summit and the 36th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

The focus of the international meetings will be advocating for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, as well as advancing Australia's growing trade and investment interests across Southeast Asia and with APEC member economies.

Australia and ASEAN have been working together for more than 50 years, and we greatly value the contribution ASEAN makes to regional stability, conflict prevention, and reinforcing rules and norms.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the East Asia Summit. The Prime Minister will reaffirm Australia's commitment to the Summit as the Indo-Pacific's premier forum for strategic dialogue.

The 21 APEC member economies account for 75% of Australia's total trade in goods and services, and we are working to expand Australia's trading relationship with these economies, to fuel further economic growth and jobs at home.

One in four Australian jobs relate to trade and Australia's prosperity relies on economic cooperation and a stable, rules-based global trading system.

Australia is working to grow trade and investment ties across the Asia-Pacific, and at APEC the Prime Minister will reinforce Australia's commitment to free and fair trade.

The summits and the bilateral meetings held on the sidelines will be opportunities to advance Australia's growing trade and investment interests, and to advocate for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister until Friday evening. Foreign Minister Penny Wong will be Acting Prime Minister from Friday evening until the Prime Minister's return from overseas.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese

"One in four Australian jobs rely on trade and we will be focussed on continuing to grow our key economic and trade relationships during ASEAN and APEC.

"Australia is working with regional leaders, including through ASEAN, the East Asia Summit and APEC to support economic growth, security, and stability in the region.

"For more than 50 years, Australia has worked with ASEAN - to ensure it remains at the centre of a dynamic region, where stability is secured through collective responsibility and prosperity is built by shared opportunity.

"Strengthening economic collaboration with our global partners at APEC maximises opportunities for Australian business and workers, reducing trade barriers and enlivening competition.

"These forums come at a critical time. I look forward to engaging with our partners on trade, security and global challenges."