US-ASEAN READY TO MOVE TRADE TIES TO A NEW LEVEL 

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, April 23 (Bernama) -- The United States and ASEAN made significant progress in enhancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to strengthen trade relations.

Both parties shared their position during the 37th annual US-ASEAN Dialogue held in Siem Reap from April 21 to 22, according to a media statement from the US Department of State.

“The United States remains the top source of foreign direct investment for the ASEAN region. President  (Donald) Trump’s goal is to establish greater fairness and reciprocity in our trade relationships. In addition to US support for an inclusive digital economy,” US Senior Bureau Official for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Sean O’Neill said at the dialogue session.

To maintain peace and security in the Southeast Asian region, ASEAN and the US pledged to enhance cooperation in transnational crime, such as cybersecurity, combating drug trafficking, online scams, defence and counterterrorism.

Meanwhile, the US has urged Myanmar to move towards democracy and allow unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need.

The US also assured that it will work closely with ASEAN to facilitate Myanmar’s path to actual democracy in line with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. 

“Military regime (must) immediately end the violence against its people, release those unjustly detained and allow unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need,” said O’Neill.

He also extended his condolences for the loss of lives in Myanmar and in Thailand following the March 28 earthquake.  

“The United States continues to support humanitarian efforts during the long days of recovery ahead,” he said. 

O’Neill co-chaired the dialogue with Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Kung Phoak.

-- BERNAMA