Secretary-General of the⁣ Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN),Kao Kim Hourn,met with Collin H. sullivan, the Chargé d’Affaires ad ⁣interim of the United States Mission to ASEAN, ​on October 7, 2024. The meeting underscored the growing collaboration ⁤between the regional bloc and the United States, especially as ASEAN prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary ​in ⁢2025.

Focus on Economic and Security Cooperation

Discussions centered on strengthening economic partnerships and addressing shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the ASEAN-U.S. strategic partnership, which⁤ aims to promote peace, prosperity, and ‌security in Southeast Asia. ‌ This partnership has been a key element in ⁢fostering regional stability and economic growth.

Preparing for the ASEAN-U.S. Summit

The meeting also served as a preparatory step for ⁢upcoming high-level engagements, ⁢including the ASEAN-U.S.Summit. This summit, scheduled to take ⁢place in 2025, will provide‍ a platform ​for leaders to ​discuss strategic‍ priorities​ and further deepen cooperation ‌across a range of sectors. ​The chargé d’Affaires ad interim’s presence signals ‍continued U.S. engagement with ​ASEAN as​ the summit approaches.

Continued Dialog‍ and Collaboration

Secretary-General​ Kao Kim Hourn and chargé​ d’Affaires Sullivan emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and practical cooperation to address regional issues. This includes initiatives related⁤ to maritime security,‌ counterterrorism, and transnational crime. The ongoing exchange between ASEAN and the U.S.demonstrates a‌ shared ‌commitment to a rules-based international order and ‌a ⁣peaceful,stable,and prosperous ‌Southeast Asia.