28-6-2023 (JAKARTA) The United States Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Yohannes Abraham, has emphasized the importance of pursuing growth and prosperity for all people while promoting ASEAN centrality and its critical role in the regional architecture. Speaking at an event marking the 274th Year of American Independence in Jakarta on Tuesday, Abraham stated that he believes the US-ASEAN partnership, under Indonesia’s leadership, will be able to overcome challenges and opportunities in the 21st century, from climate change to health security and the economy.
The partnership is also expected to support a free and open Indo-Pacific, the rule of law, and a rules-based regional and global architecture that stands up for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity for all nations.
Abraham considered the past year to be a positive one for the US-ASEAN partnership and expressed gratitude for being able to work with Indonesia and other member countries in the region. He underscored the importance of people-to-people contacts, both between people of the U.S. and Indonesia or with people throughout the region.
Abraham also expressed his satisfaction with being able to establish relationships with youth across the region through the Southeast Asia Young Leaders Initiative (YSEALI).
Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for the Political-Security Community, Robert Matheus Michael Tene, stated that the US-ASEAN partnership had contributed to community building and ASEAN centrality through the existing mechanisms. Therefore, ASEAN looks forward to further cooperation to realize a strategic and comprehensive partnership.
“The Secretariat stands ready to work closely with the US mission to ASEAN and all ASEAN member states in our efforts to deepen our ties for mutual benefit,” Tene remarked.
