Yangon – ASEAN and U.S. discussed their cooperation in the Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural fields at the 27th ASEAN-US Dialogue in Yangon, Myanmar on 9-10 June. The Meeting explored ways and means to enhance cooperation in the areas of maritime security, combating transnational crimes including terrorism and trafficking in person, combating wildlife trafficking, renewable and clean energy, infrastructure, connectivity, disaster management, education, youth and people-to-people exchanges, and environment.

Both sides are engaged in various frameworks aimed at improving quality of life for ASEAN peoples. As ASEAN approaches the planned regional integration in 2015, the cooperation reaffirmed commitment to work together in capacity building programmes to help ASEAN meet its community building targets in 2015. ASEAN greatly appreciates the U.S.’ extensive support for ASEAN and looks forward to enhance cooperation further in all Community pillars.

The U.S. is one of ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners and it participates in ASEAN-led regional institutions such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, East Asia Summit, ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus, and ASEAN Maritime Forum in order to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues.

The Meeting was attended by Senior Officials from all ten ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the United States. The Meeting was co-chaired by Aung Lynn, Senior Officials Meeting Leader of Myanmar, and Daniel R. Russel, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, the U.S. Department of State.

Photo: ASEAN Secretariat