Washington to establish first-ever US-ASEAN Center: US VP

 

Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, has said that Washington will establish the first-ever US-ASEAN Center, which will facilitate ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) engagements.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in the Republic of Indonesia on Tuesday. She attended the ASEAN-US Summit. She said that the ASEAN-US relations had been upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, according to the statement released by the US White House.

At the ASEAN-US Summit, Kamala Harris lauded the achievements of ASEAN. She said, “I am pleased to announce that we will establish, through a public-private partnership, the first-ever US-ASEAN Center in Washington, DC.”

Yohannes Abraham, U.S. Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, was also present during the meeting. Harris said that Yohannes Abraham’s leadership would help to further expand US-ASEAN relations.

The US Vice President said that the US-ASEAN economic cooperation was important for Southeast Asia and the United States.

Other highlights from the ASEAN summit

Chinese Premier Li Qiang also attended the ASEAN summit. During the meeting, he said it was crucial to avoid a “new Cold War” while dealing with conflicts.

The summit was not attended by US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the ASEAN summit.

The 43rd ASEAN Summit started on 5 September under the leadership of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana welcomed leaders at the summit. The summit ended on 7 September

The summit saw esteemed delegates gathering at the Jakarta Convention Center. The delegates discussed critical regional issues of mutual concern. Under the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth,” the leaders explored the evolving dynamics in the region.

During the meeting, Southeast Asian leaders said that Myanmar would not be allowed to take over ASEAN leadership in 2026. They slammed Myanmar junta over the removal of Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government from the country. They also demanded her release from detention.

The Philippines will take over ASEAN leadership in 2016. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr confirmed the chairmanship.