(VOVworld) - Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has extended an invitation to the leaders of ASEAN members to attend a summit in Canberra in 2018.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (Photo: VNA)

Turnbull announced the summit in a statement on his website late on Wednesday, inviting leaders to Canberra to discuss a number of regional issues as Australia aims to strengthen ties with its regional neighbors.

He said the summit would be the first opportunity for all ASEAN leaders to come together in Australia and address issues such as the threat from terrorism and the future of trade between Australia and ASEAN member countries.

The Prime Minister said the special summit would deepen the economic partnership through creating closer links between ASEAN and Australian businesses and bolster the strategic partnership.

He noted that Australia is proud to be ASEAN’s Strategic Partner, a substantial economic partner, an advocate of a peaceful, rules-based neighborhood, and a highly engaged participant in ASEAN-led regional architecture.