Australia is reaffirming its relationship with South East Asia with a new diplomat to the region.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Phnom Penh attending the East Asia and ASEAN-Australia summits.
In his opening remarks to the summit, Mr Albanese announced business leader Nicholas Moore as the special envoy to South East Asia.
The Australian government is developing a South East Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 which includes a $470 million commitment in development assistance.
"Working in close cooperation, we can forge a more secure and sustainable future," Mr Albanese said."
"Where international law and norms are upheld and disputes are resolved amicably through diplomacy and dialogue."
Mr Moore, who previously led Macquarie Group, will lead the economic strategy and grow Australia's business and trade ties with the region.
"We come together as neighbours and steadfast partners and friends," Mr Albanese said.
"We are united not only by geography but by our determination to advance common interests and principles."
The prime minister also supported an in-principle agreement to add Timor-Leste as the eleventh member of ASEAN.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine and China's trade and security muscle-flexing are key issues for the prime minister as he embarks on a nine-day overseas trip.
Peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific are also front of mind as he hits the ground running in a series of meetings with his fellow world leaders.
Mr Albanese earlier met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
He reaffirmed support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion and will consider a request from Mr Kuleba for assistance with energy infrastructure.
"The ongoing targeting of civilians by Vladimir Putin's forces is reprehensible and against international law," Mr Albanese said
"I express on behalf of the Australian people our condolences for the loss of life that the Ukrainian people are enduring."
Mr Albanese met with the summit's host Prime Minister Hun Sen and marked the 70th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relationship.
In the evening Mr Albanese will attend a gala hosted by his Cambodian counterpart and King Norodom Sihamoni.
He is also expected to meet with Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister of Laos Phankham Viphavanh in person for the first time.
Mr Albanese said food security, climate change and "strategic competition in the region" were important topics for discussion.
Work continues behind the scenes on seeking a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has not had a formal meeting with an Australian leader since Malcolm Turnbull in 2016.
Mr Albanese will head to Bali on Monday for the G20 summit before attending the APEC meeting in Bangkok.
While Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to take part virtually.
President Joe Biden will meet the Chinese president on Monday in Bali.
Australian Associated Press
