Colleagues, on behalf of the ASEAN colleagues, I would like to warmly welcome Secretary Blinken back to the ASEAN-U.S. meeting. In the last three years, we have accomplished many things together to enhance ASEAN-U.S. cooperation for our region and the world's shared interests. We successfully elevated our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit in May 2022, resulting in the Joint Vision Statement as the guiding compass for our partnership forward.
In the same year, we also established a commitment to advance the EV ecosystem in the region, a first for ASEAN. Last year, the U.S. cemented its support to AOIP through ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on Cooperation on AOIP, fostering our cooperation in maritime areas connected with SDGs and economy. Finally, we established the ASEAN-U.S. Center to propel our cooperation in public-private partnerships where new sectoral cooperations are created.
While we enjoy good relations between ASEAN and the U.S., our partnership should also contribute to global peace and stability. We should be guardians of international laws consistently applied everywhere: Ukraine issue, South China Sea, and Palestine. For example, in Palestine, we cannot continue ignoring Gaza's dire humanitarian situation; almost 40,000 people have died. We need a ceasefire and sustainable peace to stop this human suffering.
Let us continue working together for justice and humanity for all people of ASEAN and U.S.
Now I invite my co-chair to deliver his opening remark—Secretary Blinken.
Retno, thank you so much for your partnership as U.S country coordinator these past three years and your friendship; we're grateful for it—I am personally grateful.
We have seen unprecedented expansion of ASEAN-U.S cooperation which could not have happened without Indonesia’s support. To Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok: The U.S is eager to partner with Cambodia as our next country coordinator; thank you for that. And to Saleumxay: Thank you for your leadership as ASEAN chair this year; looking forward to working with Malaysia as chair in 2025.
To Secretary-General of ASEAN: Grateful for your partnership—pleased welcoming you to Washington last month—and special thanks to Committee of Permanent Representatives supporting growing partnership.
I'd like a moment of personal privilege—to thank Ambassador Abraham elevating U.S-ASEAN relationship—Yohannes is one of our best—Washington listens when he calls because he used to be on other side there himself.
The United States and ASEAN embarked on remarkable deepening ties these past few years—we upgraded relationship into Comprehensive Strategic Partnership—elevated work together on digital issues cybersecurity health environment climate energy transportation women empowerment while reinvigorating longstanding efforts in foreign affairs economics defense built upon common values shared vision an open Indo-Pacific free prosperous secure connected resilient emphasized by Laos chairmanship
As President Biden said “ASEAN is at heart of United States Indo-Pacific Strategy” deeply committed centrality means keep working with through tackling biggest challenges seizing limitless opportunities strongly support Outlook shares fundamental principles commercial economic ties robust two-way trade investment supporting jobs enhancing futures businesses workers proud number-one source foreign direct investment across
Through training entrepreneurs students workforce succeed digital economy improving access secure affordable energy critical success enhancing defenses against infectious disease protecting millions Southeast Asians another critical line effort discussing work improving lives combined billion people
Addressing challenges shared vision Russia illegal invasion DPRK nuclear weapons ballistic missile programs ongoing heartbreaking crisis Burma PRC escalatory unlawful actions Philippines South China Sea pleased note successful resupply Second Thomas Shoal agreement reached Philippines China applaud hope expect see continues
Recognize impact crisis Gaza having many around world foremost suffering consequences every single day six weeks ago President Biden proposal immediate ceasefire release hostages enduring peace security gratified entire world supported including rarely seen UN Security Council working intensely daily bringing proposal conclusion get ceasefire return hostages path more enduring peace security grateful support countries determined see finish line
Looking forward discussion today enhancing strong robust partnership addressing pressing issues particularly direct impact citizens responsible purpose doing right them
Thank you.
I thank you very much Tony Colleagues before continuing request media leave room closed session Thank you very much colleagues from media
