Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a bid to strengthen its partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in the face of increasing global uncertainty during his first ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with the United States.
The two-day meeting, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia, brought together top officials from both regions to discuss key areas of cooperation and reaffirm their commitment to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The partnership, established in 2022, has already yielded significant progress in turning shared visions into concrete action.
According to Rubio, the United States views the Indo-Pacific region as a critical component of its engagement with the world, with two-thirds of global growth expected to occur in this region over the next century. The country intends to strengthen its partnerships with ASEAN member states, which are sovereign and independent nations with longstanding relationships and partnerships.
“We consider [ASEAN] to be a preeminent mechanism by which we engage with a region,” Rubio said. “We believe that by working together, we can advance our common goals and interests, including a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and prosperous.”
Key areas of cooperation discussed during the meeting include economic engagement, innovation, combating transnational crime, maritime cooperation, health security, and people-to-people exchanges. The United States has committed to supporting ASEAN’s efforts in these areas, including providing assistance for the development of regional trade initiatives and enhancing cooperation on counter-terrorism.
Rubio also expressed his appreciation for Malaysia’s hosting of the meeting, acknowledging the country’s strong leadership as ASEAN chair. He praised the Philippines’ commitment to continuing the partnership with the United States after Malaysia’s term expires next year.
As global uncertainty continues to rise, Rubio emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing common challenges. “We’re not distracted by events in other parts of the planet,” he said. “In fact, we intend to be engaged here in the region.”
The meeting marks an important milestone in the United States’ commitment to strengthening its partnership with ASEAN, and underscores the significance of regional cooperation in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
What’s Next for US-ASEAN Relations?
The United States and ASEAN will continue to engage on key areas of cooperation, including economic development, counter-terrorism, and maritime security.
The two sides will work together to advance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has already yielded significant progress in turning shared visions into concrete action.
The Philippines is expected to build on the momentum established by Malaysia’s hosting of the meeting, with the country committing to continue supporting US-ASEAN cooperation after its term as ASEAN chair expires next year.
Conclusion
The meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his ASEAN counterparts marks an important milestone in the United States’ commitment to strengthening its partnership with the region. As global uncertainty continues to rise, regional cooperation will be crucial in addressing common challenges and promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.