US Secretary of State John Kerry has affirmed the Obama administration’s commitment to promoting relations with the Asia-Pacific.

“President Obama and I look forward to strengthening our commitment to building ever-stronger relations with the people of the Asia-Pacific through initiatives that foster economic growth, improve regional security, and advance cooperative friendships among our peoples, Kerry said in a letter on the website of the US Department of State on the occasion of the Asians celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year which falls on February 10.

The top US diplomat said that “I would like to wish all great success in the coming year as we continue to work together to deepen partnerships and find solutions to the challenges we face.”

Kerry took office as the 68 th US Secretary of State on January 22.-VNA