South and Southeast Asia (SSG)

Australia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) are longstanding bilateral and regional partners, with a relationship underpinned by development cooperation, business ties and people-to-people links.

India country brief

Australia and Cambodia established diplomatic relations in 1952. Our strong support for the Cambodian Peace Process in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including our leading role in the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC, 1992-1993), is still appreciated by the Cambodian people.

Australia has maintained a diplomatic presence in Brunei since it gained its full independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. However, our historical links stretch back to the Second World War when, in 1945, Australian forces landed at Muara Beach as part of the Allied campaign to liberate Borneo. Australia and Brunei have erected a permanent memorial at Muara Beach to mark the 1945 landings.

Bangladesh is a low-lying, mainly riverine country on the Bay of Bengal. It covers an area of 147,000 square kilometres (about two-thirds the size of Victoria). Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority nation with a democratic, parliamentary system of government and a population of approximately 175 million people.

Indonesia is one of Australia’s most consequential and enduring bilateral relationships. We enjoy extensive cooperation, including on strategic, economic, security, development and education matters. Australia’s diplomatic network in Indonesia includes our embassy in Jakarta and consulates-general in Bali, Surabaya and Makassar.

Links to Australian Government information about Singapore.

Links to Australian Government information about Malaysia.

Links to Australian Government information about the Kyrgyz Republic.

Links to Australian Government information about Cambodia.