(KPL) On October 11, 2024, in Vientiane Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone presided over the 12th ASEAN-U.S. Summit, attended by ASEAN leaders, Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State, and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as an observer.

The meeting reviewed ASEAN-U.S. cooperation and set a forward-looking direction to advance the ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Emphasis was placed on implementing joint projects between ASEAN and the U.S. to ensure meaningful benefits for the people of both regions.

Both sides expressed deep appreciation for the 47 years of ASEAN-U.S. dialogue relations, which have spanned political-security, economic, and socio-cultural areas.

This partnership reflects the successful outcomes of past cooperation and the potential for even greater collaboration in the future, contributing to ASEAN Community-building efforts and promoting peace, stability, and cooperation.

Moving forward, the Lao PDR encouraged the U.S. to continue supporting ASEAN in key areas, including trade and investment, public health, clean energy, and human resource development through educational and cultural exchange programmes.

Short-term training courses and skills development in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, and other emerging areas were encouraged.

During the summit, the leaders adopted the ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence.

The United States (U.S.) remains one of ASEAN’s most important dialogue partners. ASEAN and the U.S. established dialogue relations in 1977, which were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2015 and to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

KPL