President Biden: US-ASEAN relations enter a ‘new era’

US President Joe Biden at the ASEAN – US Special Summit – Photo: DUONG GIANG

“A large part of our world history over the next 50 years will be written in the ASEAN nations, and our relationship with you is the future for years and decades to come.” , Mr. Biden said.

This year’s ASEAN-US Special Summit marks the first time that ASEAN leaders have gathered in Washington, and also the first meeting hosted by the US since 2016, according to Reuters news agency.

This is also the event that marks the first time that US President Joe Biden has met ASEAN leaders face-to-face since taking office in January 2021.

The Biden administration hopes the effort will demonstrate that Washington remains focused on the Indo-Pacific region, as well as China’s enduring challenges in the region.

“We are not only celebrating 45 years of US-ASEAN friendship and partnership, but also kicking off a ‘new era’ for US-ASEAN relations. The discussions covered a wide range of important issues, including including working together in the fight against COVID-19 and climate action,” said President Biden.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the ASEAN-US Special Summit – Photo: DUONG GIANG

Earlier, ASEAN leaders also had a meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris.

During this meeting, Harris affirmed that Washington will stand with allies and partners in upholding the rules-based maritime order, including freedom of navigation and international law.

Ms. Harris said the US highly appreciated the ongoing ASEAN-US Special Summit, and informed that one of the main topics discussed during her meeting with ASEAN leaders was maritime security.

Vice President Harris also said Washington would spend an additional $60 million on initiatives to ensure maritime security in Southeast Asia.

Mr. Biden is trying to focus more on improving relations with nations in the Pacific during his presidency, viewing a rising China as an economic and national security rival. greatest threat to the United States.