"I am deeply honored to stand here with Dr. Surin as I begin the important mission President Obama has asked me to undertake," Ambassador Carden said in his statement as quoted on the official website of the Jakarta-based ASEAN Secretariat.
"ASEAN is at the center of profound changes taking place in Asia. The United States is committed at all levels to supporting a robust ASEAN role in realizing the vision of an integrated, secure, prosperous and democratic Southeast Asia," the US ambassador said.
"Ambassador Carden has been charged to conduct the affairs of his mission in a manner to advance the mutual interests of the Associations of Southeast Asian Nations and of the United States of America. I ask that you receive him favourably and give full credence to what he shall say on the part of the United States," stated US President Obama in his letter to the Secretary-General of ASEAN.
Dr. Surin responded that "proactive re-engagement of the U.S. with ASEAN has reinvigorated ASEAN-U.S. relations. The historic ASEAN-U.S. Leaders` Meetings reflect the US` recognition of ASEAN`s growing role in global issues. I`m looking forward to working with Ambassador Carden to maintain this positive momentum," Dr Surin.
Noting the current developments in the region, Ambassador Carden said that the United States has been impressed with Indonesia`s strong leadership of ASEAN during its chairmanship this year.
"I look forward to working with my Indonesian colleagues, and all of my new ASEAN friends, to consolidate and extend ASEAN`s recent advancements," Ambassador Carden added.
SG Dr. Surin and Ambassador Carden also discussed regional issues and the way forward to further strengthen and increase dialogue cooperation between ASEAN and the United States.
An attorney by profession, Ambassador Carden has broad experience coordinating complex and high-profile defenses of litigation brought in United States courts and abroad.
(Tx.F001/H-NG/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
