WASHINGTON D.C., 19 May 2015 – ASEAN and the United States of America reiterated their commitment to deepen cooperation under the framework of the ASEAN-U.S. Enhanced Partnership and to bring the relationship to a new height. This was the proposition of the 28th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue that was successfully convened at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on 15 May.
In his opening remarks, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony J Blinken reaffirmed U.S.' strong and unwavering commitment to Southeast Asia through the region's most "important and dynamic" institution – ASEAN. As peace and stability remain the first and foremost condition for the region's continued growth, the U.S. committed to continue working with ASEAN to address regional security challenges, build capacity to enhance ASEAN's economic competitiveness, and strengthen the socio-cultural and people-to-people ties.
The two sides had candid and extensive discussions on the regional political and security landscape. Acknowledging the strategic challenges facing the region, both sides shared their vision of promoting a rules-based and norms-based regional architecture and patterns of behavior that are conducive for regional peace and stability. ASEAN welcomed the constructive engagement of the U.S. and other major powers in the region, as well as their valuable contributions to ASEAN Community building efforts.