United
States President Barack Obama has reiterated his country’s commitment to build
a “strong and enduring” partnership with the 10 member countries of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Donning
a suit without a tie, President Obama welcomed the ASEAN leaders one by one at
the Annenberg Retreat in Sunnylands for the two-day special summit.
In
his remarks during the opening of the ASEAN-US Summit on Monday (Tuesday in
Manila), Obama said he was looking forward to having a fruitful meeting with
the ASEAN leaders as they discuss various issues such as trade, commerce,
innovation, entrepreneurship, maritime security, terrorism, climate change,
human rights, and resolving disputes in the region through peaceful and legal
means.
“Economic
growth that is inclusive, creating opportunity for all; mutual security and the
peaceful resolution of disputes; human dignity, including respect for human
rights, and development that is sustainable -- that is our vision. That’s what
brings us here together today,” he told the ASEAN heads of state, among them
Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III.
He
said his engagement with ASEAN leaders is part of the US’ goal to play “a
larger and long-term role” in the Asia Pacific amid “urgent threats”
confronting the world.
Obama
noted that as part of his administration’s aim of deepening partnership with
the ASEAN nations, he has met with the leaders of the ASEAN seven times, more
than any former US presidents had ever made.
These
meetings have led to the elevation of the partnership between the ASEAN and the
US to a strategic level, which was sealed during the ASEAN Summit in November
last year.
“Our
sustained engagement is delivering concrete results that benefit all of us --
momentum that we can build on here at this summit,” the US President said.
Obama
urged ASEAN leaders to continue “to increase the trade and economic
partnerships that create jobs and opportunity for our people”.
He
cited the 55 percent increase in trade between the US and ASEAN nations during his
administration.
The
ASEAN, he said, is currently the fourth largest goods trading partner of the
US, which has generated more than 500,000 jobs for Americans.
“US
companies have been the largest source of foreign investment in ASEAN -- one of
the many reasons that the region’s GDP has surged in recent years, lifting
people from poverty into the middle class,” he said.
He
said he expects leaders at the summit to build on the progress of ASEAN
integration and do more to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation to achieve
sustainable and inclusive growth.
Obama
likewise rallied ASEAN leaders to work together in increasing security
cooperation.
He
said that in recent years, the US has increased maritime security assistance to
its allies and partners in the region, “improving our mutual capabilities to
protect lawful commerce and to respond to humanitarian crisis”.
“Here
at this summit, we can advance our shared vision of a regional order where
international rules and norms, including freedom of navigation, are upheld and
where disputes are resolved through peaceful, legal means,” he stressed.
On
the Trans-Pacific Partnership, in which the Philippines has expressed intention
of joining, Obama noted that Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei “have
committed to high labor and environmental standards”.
Obama
likewise underscored the need to address transnational challenges, citing the
attack in Jakarta last month that left two civilians dead.
“The
scourge of terrorism demands that we stay vigilant, share more information and
work cooperatively to protect our people,” he said.
Following
the recent signing of climate change agreement in Paris, Obama called on ASEAN
nations to implement the accord and “step up investment in clean, affordable
energy, including for developing countries”.
On
a lighter note, Obama revealed why he decided to hold the special summit in
Sunnylands and not in Washington, where his usual meetings with world leaders
are held.
“You
and the people of ASEAN have always shown me extraordinary hospitality, and I
hope we can reciprocate with the warmth today and tomorrow -- which is why I
did not hold this summit in Washington. It is cold there. It’s snowing. So,
welcome to beautiful, warm Sunnylands,” he said.
In
response to Obama's statement, Lao President Choummaly Sayasone, who is the
chairman of this year's ASEAN, committed to ensure that the ASEAN's strategic
partnership with the US "will bring about fruitful results".
"This
ASEAN-US Special Summit is providing us an excellent opportunity to exchange
our views and also provide direction for our officials in order to implement
the outcome of previous ASEAN-US Summit in view of further strengthening our
strategic partnership for the promotion of durable peace, stability, and
prosperity for the future benefits of our nations and peoples," he said.
"I
firmly believe that our deliberation in the summit will also be crowned with
the great success," he added. (PCOO News Release)
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