"Under Indonesia's leadership, we are pursuing growth and prosperity for all of our people while promoting ASEAN centrality and its critical role in the regional architecture," Abraham stated at an event marking the 274th Year of American Independence, here on Tuesday.
He believes that under Indonesia's leadership, the US-ASEAN partnership 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.
He considered the past year to be a very positive one for the US-ASEAN partnership. Hence, he was grateful to be able to work with Indonesia and other member countries in the region.
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"We are particularly pleased and grateful to be able to have elevated our already long-standing relationship with ASEAN to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year," he affirmed.
Abraham 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 said he was highly pleased to be 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.
Hence, the 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," he remarked.
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Reporter: Katriana
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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