ASEAN, U.S. release joint statement on cybersecurity cooperation

ASEAN leaders welcomed U.S. Vice President Mike Pence for his presence at the conference, hailing the role and important contributions of the U.S. to regional peace, security, cooperation and prosperity. 

They also expressed sympathy for the huge loss of lives in the recent forest fire raging through California.

ASEAN acknowledged that over the last 41 years, the bilateral ties have been positive and cooperation has been expanded comprehensively in numerous fields especially trade, investment, connectivity, infrastructure development, digital economics, network security, maritime cooperation, and anti-terrorism and extremism. So far, the U.S. is the third largest trade partner of ASEAN. 

Vice President Pence reiterated that the U.S. commits to beefing up ties with ASEAN, regarding ASEAN as an important partner in the region. The U.S. backs ASEAN’s central role and pledges to contribute to regional peace, security, and stability. 

Mr. Pence shared the Indo-Pacific strategy and affirmed that the U.S. respects for ASEAN’s principles and hopes to cooperate with ASEAN in common fields. 

The U.S. announced a package of US$ 60 billion for regional infrastructure development; leave a possibility for building of a bilateral free trade agreement with ASEAN countries; and continue to provide US$ 113 million package for economic development and US$ 300 million package for regional security cooperation. 

Regarding the East Sea issue, Mr. Pence affirmed that the U.S. would continue to maintain its presence and contribute to peace, security, stability, and navigation safety; encourage relevant sides to enforce the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and early finalize the Conduct of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). 

Addressing the event, PM Phuc hailed the role of the U.S. in the region, hoping that the two sides would continue to promote dialogues, build trust, and uphold international law.  

PM Phuc reiterated ASEAN’s stance in the East Sea and took the occasion to seek U.S. support for ASEAN’s efforts in dialogue promotion and trust building.

At the closing ceremony, ASEAN and U.S. leaders passed a joint statement on ASEAN-U.S cybersecurity cooperation./.  

By Kim Anh