US reaffirms ‘strategic’ partnership with Asean

MANILA, Philippines — The United States has reaffirmed its enduring relationship and flourishing strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

On the 10th anniversary of the accession of the United States to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, the State Department said it wants to deepen its partnership with ASEAN.

“This anniversary reminds us of our mutual commitment to promoting peace, amity and cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific,” the State Department said in a statement.

The close ties between the US and ASEAN has advanced on the foundation of the deeply held shared principles and values enshrined in the treaty, the State Department added.

“As ASEAN continues to play a central role in the region, we look forward to deepening our strategic partnership, which has benefited the people of Southeast Asia and the United States, and brought us closer together,” it said.

At the 8th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Manila last week, the US acknowledged the importance of the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific and recognized ASEAN centrality as integral to its Indo-Pacific Strategy. 

Both sides have committed to deepen their engagement with partners in the region based on inclusiveness, openness, rule of law, good governance and respect for international law.