RANCHO MIRAGE, California — The two-day special US-Association Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit opened in southern California with a call from US President Barack Obama for closer cooperation in promoting trade, counterterrorism, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Moving to solidify US influence in the region, Obama asked regional allies to boost economic and security cooperation in a bid to promote peaceful, progressive and stable region during the first day of the summit.
“The economic growth that is inclusive, creating opportunities 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 and that’s what brings us here together today,” Obama said in his remarks.
“Given the extraordinary progress that we have achieved together in these past seven years, I am confident that we can continue our momentum at this summit,” added Obama.
The summit, hosted by Obama at the sprawling Sunnylands estate in California, aims to strengthen the newly-elevated strategic partnership between the US and the 10-member ASEAN. Obama and the Southeast Asian leaders including President Aquino skipped wearing ties for the informal and relaxed summit that centered on security, trade and environmental issues.
Obama and the Southeast Asian leaders including President Aquino skipped wearing ties for the informal and relaxed summit that centered on security, trade and environmental issues.
In his speech, Obama proposed an increase in the “trade and economic partnerships” between the US and the ASEAN in order to create jobs and opportunities for their peoples.
With the improvement of trade between the US and ASEAN by 55 percent, Obama said the regional bloc is currently the fourth largest trading partner of the United States.
More than 500,000 American jobs are supported by trade with ASEAN. US companies have been the largest source of foreign investment in ASEAN.
“Here at this summit, we can build on this progress and do more to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, so the growth and development is sustainable and inclusive and benefits all people,” Obama said.
On keeping peace and stability in the region, Obama said the US and ASEAN could increase “security cooperation to meet shared challenges.”
He said in recent years, the United States has raised maritime assistance to allies and partners in the region “improving our mutual capabilities to protect lawful commerce, to respond to humanitarian crisis.”
Although he did not identify China in his speech, the US President emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and rule of law in the wake of the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
