In a press release, Blinken affirmed that the strategic partnership between the US and ASEAN contributes to the common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, with ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms are at the center of the regional architecture. He hoped that during the upcoming visit to Singapore and Vietnam, US Vice President Kamala Harris will continue the discussion on US cooperation on pressing regional and international challenges, and deepening the relationship between the US and Southeast Asian countries.
Blinken reaffirmed the US continues to be a partner of ASEAN countries in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The US has so far provided over 23 million doses of vaccines and more than 158 million USD in humanitarian and medical assistance to help ASEAN countries respond to COVID-19. The US will help ASEAN countries to build a sustainable economic recovery.