President Biden will host the Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Washington, D.C. on May 12 and 13 for a U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit. The Special Summit will demonstrate the United States’ enduring commitment to ASEAN, recognize its central role in delivering sustainable solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges, and commemorate 45 years of U.S.-ASEAN relations.
The Special Summit will build on President Biden’s participation in the October 2021 U.S.-ASEAN Summit, and expand U.S. engagement with ASEAN on COVID-19 recovery and health security, fighting the climate crisis, stimulating economic growth, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, and deepening people-to-people ties.
On the occasion of the U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit, Ambassador Kim noted that “the United States remains committed to an ASEAN-centered regional architecture at the heart of the Indo-Pacific and supports ASEAN’s strong, unified, and constructive role in addressing regional issues.” The Ambassador also offered his thoughts on the U.S.-Indonesia relationship and partnership:
Ambassador Kim: Thanks very much, Jason.
When I reflect on the U.S.-Indonesia relationship, I am very optimistic. Our partnership is strong and dynamic, and it matters deeply to both of our countries and beyond.
In so many ways, the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership is essential to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Our shared commitment to democratic values means that we can work together to generate international action for democracy, human rights, and rule of law.
Economically, our two-way trade in goods increased last year by over 30% – and we still have a lot more potential as the world’s third and fourth most populous countries.
We are also proud to be Indonesia’s largest military engagement partner.
Of course, on one of the most important issues of our generation, we continue to deepen our engagement on the climate crisis. This is the decisive decade for climate action, and Indonesia has the potential to be a global climate leader.
For all these reasons – along with our continued collaboration on global health infrastructure, the fight against COVID-19, and our deep cultural and educational ties – I feel very privileged to be serving here at this moment.
In addition, the United States remains committed to an ASEAN-centered regional architecture at the heart of the Indo-Pacific and supports ASEAN’s strong, unified, and constructive role in addressing regional issues.
I look forward to seeing the U.S. relationship with Indonesia and ASEAN grow stronger and more successful in the years to come.
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Follow the U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit: U.S.-ASEAN Summit – United States Department of State
