Asean, US agree to promote trade, transport

The first-ever Asean-US Special Summit held in Washington, DC, from May 12 to13 emphasised the importance of peace and security in the region and agreed to work towards a sustainable economic environment by boosting trade and transport connectivity.

In a joint Vision Statement, the member states of Asean and the US emphasised the importance of adhering to key principles, shared values and norms enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the ASEAN Charter, the Declaration on Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN), the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and the Asean Outlook on the IndoPacific (AOIP).

The statement underscored the importance of creating a peaceful environment and strengthening the existing bonds of friendship among the nations in keeping with the principles of equality, partnership, consultation, and mutual respect, guided by the principles of the East Asia Summit (EAS) Declaration on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations (Bali Principles).

The statement agreed to promote an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture, in which Asean is central, alongside partners who share in these goals; reaffirming shared commitment to strengthen and build more comprehensive Asean-US Dialogue Relations.

It further reaffirmed the shared commitment to maintain and promote peace, security and stability in the region, as well as to the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with international law.

In view of the 45th anniversary of Asean-US Dialogue relations in 2022, both parties agreed to establish an Asean-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that is meaningful, substantive, and mutually beneficial at the 10th Asean-US summit in November 2022.

“We look forward to the early completion of the necessary process. We also support Asean’s pandemic recovery and health security efforts by strengthening regional and national health systems and capabilities, such as through the Asean-US Health Futures initiative, and are committed to adequate, stronger and sustainable global financing for pandemic prevention preparedness and response. We remain committed to facilitating equitable access to safe, affordable and quality medicine and health services. We are also committed to expanding local and regional sustainable manufacturing capacity of essential medical products, including through transfer of knowledge on voluntary and mutually agreed terms and provision of technical assistance. We are committed to investing in and strengthening health systems through Universal Health Coverage, in particular primary health care and access to essential health services, and expanding and training the health workforce as strong foundations for regional and global health and health security,” the joint statement said.

Both parties are also committed to advance stronger, more equitable, more inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, including through the implementation of the Asean-US Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement and Expanded Economic Engagement Initiatives Workplan, and through the vital economic participation of the US in the region.

They agreed to work to meet the region’s infrastructure needs by catalysing investment in high-standard, transparent, low-carbon and climate resilient infrastructure projects that advance inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The agreement was vocal about the commitment to promote trade and investment and about facilitating resilient global supply chains and seamless regional connectivity, including for essential goods such as medical supplies, medicines, vaccines, food and agricultural products, commodities, high-tech products, and other essential supplies and services, contributing to sustainable economic recovery and resilience in the region.

The agreement sought to deepen the collaboration on transport connectivity, including air, land, maritime, and transport facilitation programme to advance sustainable infrastructure development and support emerging technologies, including electric vehicles.

Both Asean and the US will actively partner in the discussions to strengthen regional and global governance systems. They are also committed to improving cybersecurity capabilities, promoting digital literacy and inclusion, and strengthening frameworks and policies that foster efficiency, innovation, communication, safe and equitable use of the Internet while exchanging views and experiences on cyber threats and on regulatory framework and technical standards that protect personal data in light of emerging technologies and their vulnerabilities.

On maritime cooperation, the statement reaffirmed the resolve to adhere to the UN Convention.

Source: KHMER Times