In a statement released on 23 Apr 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that the 37th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue was held successfully in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to discuss advancing cooperation across key areas under the framework of the ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). The Dialogue was co-chaired by H.E. Kung Phoak, Secretary of State and ASEAN SOM Leader of Cambodia, and H.E. Sean K. O’Neill, Senior Bureau Official for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Acting U.S. SOM Leader.
The 37th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue brought together senior officials and representatives from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat to review the implementation progress of the ASEAN-U.S. Plan of Action (2021-2025) and engage in forward-looking discussions on future cooperation under the ASEAN-U.S. CSP. Both sides reaffirmed their commitments to advancing collaboration in priority areas, particularly in addressing transnational crimes—including drug trafficking and online scams, counterterrorism efforts, and enhancing cybersecurity cooperation.
The Dialogue also underscored the importance of bolstering economic resilience and expanding private-sector collaboration to foster deeper trade and investment ties between ASEAN and the U.S. Both parties reiterated their commitments to advancing the ASEAN-U.S. economic ties by expanding cooperation across key strategic sectors of mutual interest, including digital services and knowledge-based industries, food and agriculture, green technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure.
ASEAN looked forward to the U.S.’s sustained support for the ASEAN Single Window, ASEAN Power Grid, and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). Strong optimism was expressed about the future of ASEAN-U.S. cooperation for the shared benefits of the peoples of ASEAN and the U.S. The Dialogue also exchanged views on regional and global challenges of common concern and interest.
In his closing remarks, His Excellency Kung Phoak commended the constructive and substantive discussions held during the Dialogue, as well as the valuable contributions of all participants. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment and readiness to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to advance shared priorities and cultivate a robust and forward-looking partnership.
The 37th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue marked an important milestone in the advancement of cooperation between ASEAN and the U.S., underscoring the significance of this relationship for regional stability, economic growth, and global security.
- ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue to promote cooperation in addressing transnational crimes
- Economic resilience and private-sector collaboration emphasized as key areas of focus
- Sustained support from the U.S. for ASEAN Single Window, ASEAN Power Grid, and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) highlighted
In conclusion, the 37th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation and promoting shared priorities with its strategic partner. The success of this Dialogue underscores the importance of continued engagement between ASEAN and the U.S. in addressing common challenges and advancing mutual interests.
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