The U.S. and ASEAN have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in recent meetings. During the 36th annual ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue on May 24, 2024, in Washington D.C., both sides emphasized enhancing cooperation in various areas, including trade and investment, energy, digital economy, MSMEs development, connectivity, food security, and public health. They also welcomed further economic cooperation through the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA), Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Work Plan, and dialogue engagement between the ASEAN Economic Ministers and the U.S. Trade Representative. The U.S. stressed that regional peace and security are crucial for creating a stable environment conducive to economic growth. Both parties welcomed the launch of the ASEAN-U.S. Center in Washington D.C. to promote awareness of their relations.
Additionally, the inaugural Working Visit of the ASEAN Secretary-General to Washington, D.C., from June 10-13, 2024, explored new areas of partnership to realize the full potential of the CSP, which will be guided through a new ASEAN-U.S. Plan of Action (2026-2030). The U.S. remains ASEAN’s largest source of foreign direct investment and second-largest trading partner.
