US Supports Implementation of ASEAN Consensus to Address Regional Challenges

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The United States Ambassador to ASEAN, Kevin Kim, has highlighted the importance of decision-making based on consensus within ASEAN for the development of US-ASEAN cooperation. “Every agreement or consensus reached by its member states must have the support of the entire region, which means for every consensus formed, the US can work with the entire region,” Kim stated during a closed discussion with the media in Jakarta on Friday.

Kim noted that such consensus will be vital in determining key issues for the region, such as the ASEAN framework for digital economic cooperation, which was established to advance the digital economy. Furthermore, ASEAN’s efforts to advance energy security aim to ensure more secure, diverse, and resilient energy sources. He added that if all members agree, as they do under the ASEAN Oil Security Agreement, it becomes a consensus-based project and idea that is fully aligned with the US.

“I am actually very optimistic about the issues we can work on together with ASEAN, because these issues align with the future and interests of the United States,” he said. Kim also expressed optimism regarding the future of ASEAN-US cooperation, noting that as an association, its bureaucrats cannot bind or dictate the actions of sovereign national governments. He believes ASEAN is uniquely designed to advance the interests of sovereign governments in Southeast Asia, providing a foundation for US cooperation with the region.

“If you read the President’s speech from Riyadh last year, this administration essentially respects the core principle of national sovereignty. I believe the foundation for working well at both the regional and national levels is already in place,” the Ambassador said. He added that ASEAN’s ability to shape and determine its own future based on its own capacity is crucial for the US to continue its cooperation with the region. Kim reaffirmed that US support for ASEAN’s norms, values, and centrality is part of a “broad political vision for the future,” as these elements are “fundamental to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity.”