US committed to Asean centrality; looks to broaden partnership

Singapore

THE US remains committed to Asean centrality under America's Indo-Pacific strategy, and looks forward to broadening and deepening its strategic partnership with the region, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in his first meeting with his Asean counterparts on Friday.

He noted that US President Donald Trump attended Asean-led summits in Manila last November, and Vice-President Mike Pence had also travelled to the region.

"I expect and am eager for this frequent engagement to continue," said Mr Pompeo. "Our economic engagement has created hundreds of thousands of jobs on both sides of the Pacific. Asean is the No 1 destination for US investment in Asia, and Asean member states have increased their i…