Singapore PM: US-ASEAN Summit a “very significant step forward”
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong praised the importance of the recent US- ASEAN Summit, which was held in Sunnylands, California from February 15-17.
US and ASEAN leaders at the US- ASEAN Leader Summit held in Sunnylands, California from February 15-17 (Source: internet)
Singapore (VNA) – Singaporean Prime Mini💃ster Lee Hsien Loong praised the importance of the recent US- A💛SEAN Summit, which was held in Sunnylands, California from February 15-17.
Lee said the summit is a clear signal that the US values its partnership with ASEAN and that the current administration under President Barak Obama wants to do all it can to institutionalise this relationship.
Speaking to reporters after concluding his week-long visit to the US, he said the meeting was a “very significant step forward”, being the first of its kind where ASEAN leaders were hosted by the US President.
During the two days, the leaders discussed issues ranging from terrorism and climate change to opportunities for economic cooperation.
While the summit institutionalises the bilateral relationship and paves the way for the next US president to take it forward in the future, Singapore’s PM also expressed hope that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) would be ratified before the end of President Obama’s final term.
The TPP was widely expected to be on the agenda at the special summit, together with the dispute in the East Sea.
Among the principles listed in a joint statement given at the summit was a mutual sovereignty respect and the need to abide by international law and order.-VNA
The US and the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to work towards elevating the relationship to a strategic partnership in time for the East Asia Summit (EAS) in November.
The Special Leaders’ Summit of the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a joint statement in Sunnylands, California on February 16 (US time).
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Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
US and ASEAN leaders at the US- ASEAN Leader Summit held in Sunnylands, California from February 15-17 (Source: internet)
