ASEAN, US speed up comprehensive strategic partnership
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen their longstanding relations at the 35th ASEAN-US Dialogue held on March 7 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Jakarta(VNA) – The Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States reaffirmed theircommitment to further strengthen their longstanding relations at the 35th ASEAN-US Dialogue held on March 7 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Sidharto Suryodipuro, Director-General ofASEAN Cooperation at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DanielKritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairsco-chaired the event, which brought together senior officials of ASEAN member states, the Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Political-Security Community, and Timor-Leste as Observer.
The US conveyed its unwavering support forASEAN Community-building efforts, assistance towards the region’s recovery fromthe COVID-19 pandemic, and commitment to ASEAN Centrality through its activeparticipation in ASEAN-led mechanisms.
Building on the momentum of thecommemoration of the 45th anniversary of their dialogue relations and theestablishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership last year, the meetingacknowledged the strengthening of cooperation between both sides across thethree ASEAN Community pillars.
The two sides looked forward to the adoptionof the Annex to the ASEAN-US Plan of Action for 2021-2025 at the ASEAN PostMinisterial Conference Plus One (PMC 1) Session with the US in July, as well asthe convening of the 11th ASEAN-US Summit in September this year.
ASEAN and the US underscored the importanceof enhancing cooperation in the four key areas outlined in the ASEAN Outlook onthe Indo-Pacific (AOIP) including concrete actions to support itsimplementation, as well as in other areas such as maritime cooperation;transnational crime, combatting trafficking in person, non-proliferation anddisarmament; intra-parliamentary cooperation; digital economy, trade, investment,and financial stability.
To speed up awareness of the ASEAN-USrelations on both sides, the US expressed its intention to establish anASEAN-US centre.
The US reaffirmed🦩 its commitment tosupport Timor-Leste as an observer of ASEAN with the relevant capacity-buildingprogrammes./.
Indonesia, as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2023, has announced three priority economic deliverables (PED) in the financial sector, including reconstruction, digital economy and sustainable development.
The sustainable development issue was put on the table at a recent meeting of the 43rd High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration (HLTF-EI) in Indonesia to prepare the region against various global challenges, starting from the impact of pandemics and climate change to geopolitical tensions.
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan will formally upgrade their ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” during a special summit in December commemorating their 50 years of friendship and cooperation, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has said.
ASEAN is developing its post-2025 vision to set a clear new agenda for better economic integration and adaptation to technological advances, geopolitical shifts, and economic transformations that are changing the current global landscape.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
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.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
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.
At the event (Photo: asean.org) 
