US President Biden highlights ASEAN's role in the Indo-Pacific architecture

US Presidentmade his statement in his opening remarks at the 9th ASEAN-US Summit in Brunei. His speech was broadcast on the US television channel CNBC.

US President Joe Biden. Photo: AP

“The bottom line is that ASEAN is very important, I want to reiterate that, most important to the Indo-Pacific regional architecture. The United States has consistently supported ASEAN centrality. It is the backbone for maintaining stability, prosperity and security in our shared region and yours,” the US President said in a speech to leaders of the bloc.

Mr. Biden emphasized that the upcoming meetings between US and ASEAN leaders will once again be held in person, because the relationship between the US and ASEAN is "extremely important" to billions of people in the US and Southeast Asia.

“I want you to know that I really look forward to working with you, not only to advancing our many shared interests, but also to advancing our shared values ​​and our shared vision of the region, where every country can compete and achieve on a level playing field, where every country, no matter how big or how wealthy, plays by the rules.”

The US President added that the relationship with ASEAN is so important to the US that US leaders are willing to personally visit countries in the region.

"You can expect more visits from us, like Vice President Kamala Harris recently went to Southeast Asia. You can expect me to come to you personally. You can expect the United States to deepen our long-standing partnership, find new avenues for ministerial dialogue, invest in our countries, and ensure that prosperity pervades this vital region," President Biden promised.

Mr. Biden also said that the US is preparing to launch a new initiative worth more than 100 million USD to deepen cooperation in many fields with ASEAN countries./.