US, RoK reaffirms ASEAN’s centrality in maintaining maritime, aviation freedom in East Sea

US President Joe Biden and his counterpart from the Republic of Korea (RoK) reaffirmed support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture in a joint statement issued after their meeting at the White House on May 21.

US President Joe Biden (R) and Korean President Moon Jae-in in a meeting on May 21 (Photo: AFP)

New York (VNA) – US President Joe Biden and his counterpartfrom the Republic of Korea (RoK) reaffirmed support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led regionalarchitecture in a joint statement issued after their meeting at the WhiteHouse on May 21.

“We agree to expandregional coordination on law enforcement, cybersecurity, public health andpromoting a green recovery. We agree to work closely together to promotegreater connectivity and foster digital innovation within ASEAN, whiledeveloping deeper people-to-people ties among Americans, Koreans, and thepeople of Southeast Asia,” the statement said.

“We will also consider opportunities for joint efforts to promote sustainabledevelopment, energy security, and responsible water management in the Mekongsub-region,” it added.

The two countries opposeall activities that undermine, destabilise, or threaten the rules-basedinternational order and commit to maintaining an inclusive, free, and openIndo-Pacific.

“We pledge to maintain peace and stability, lawful unimpeded commerce, andrespect for international law, including freedom of navigation and overflightin the South China Sea (East Sea) and beyond,” according to the joint statement./.

VNA

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