Brunei Darussalam will continue to foster a calm and peaceful environment, and encourage all countries to prioritise dialogue and cooperation.
This was said by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at the Plenary Session Two of the ASEAN-United States (US) Special Summit at the Department of State, Washington DC, US on Friday.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty was pleased for the celebration of 45 years of ASEAN-US dialogue relations as the US has always been an important strategic partner of ASEAN through upholding peace, investing in its economies and supporting development.
Looking towards the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-US relations, His Majesty hoped for continued peace, stability and sustainable development for all the peoples in the Indo-Pacific.
To realise this, it must be ensured that cooperation will bring greater benefit to as many people as possible, through strategic and comprehensive approach.
This would require a substantial increase in the depth and scope of exchanges, training and capacity building for the peoples, including building up on initiatives such as the ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme and the ASEAN-US Internship Programme.
His Majesty believed that such efforts will greatly enhance trust and understanding between the peoples, especially the youth, who are the foundation of the ASEAN-US relations in the future.
His Majesty also encouraged for new areas of common interest and work to be identified for mutual benefits, adding that the area that is important to the peoples’ livelihood is the management, safety and security of the maritime domain.
ASEAN commenced work on the Blue Economy in 2021 to promote the sustainable use of maritime resources. With the release of the US Blue Economy Strategic Plan in 2021, His Majesty highlighted that it is timely to expand cooperation in maritime, as ASEAN and the US can mutually benefit from each other’s experiences.
His Majesty noted that cooperation in the maritime domain, including the South China Sea, is in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations (UN) Convention on the Law of the Sea. With one third of international shipping passing through the South China Sea, His Majesty said ensuring peace and security is of paramount importance globally. Therefore, the adherence by all parties to international law, including upholding the principles of the UN Charter is vital.
His Majesty also welcomed the US announcement of a plan to enhance education and people-to-people engagements with ASEAN, as well as the US proposal on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework to promote growth and create opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Plenary Session Two on Regional and Global Issues was chaired by US President Joe Biden, attended by US Secretary of State, ASEAN heads of states and government, and the ASEAN Secretary-General. His Majesty thanked President Biden for his support of Brunei’s chairmanship of ASEAN last year and congratulated Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as the chairman this year.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN benefitted from US support through the provision of vaccines and medical equipment.
His Majesty commended President Biden’s leadership on this matter, including the hosting of the second COVID-19 Summit.
In concluding the titah, His Majesty welcomed the US’ renewed commitment to ASEAN, and expressed confidence that the relations between ASEAN and US will advance towards a future that is peaceful, prosperous and full of opportunities under President Biden’s able leadership.
Meanwhile, President Biden expressed satisfaction that ASEAN and the US are entering a new era of relations, with discussions covering a broad range of issues including the COVID-19 pandemic, clean energy future, sustainable infrastructure, access to education, and maritime cooperation.
The ASEAN-US Special Summit Joint Vision Statement was adopted at the event.
