The ASEAN Secretariat on June 10 launched a website at www.aseanmattersforamerica.org to provide information on the ASEAN-US ties.

The website is part of the “ASEAN Matters for America/America Matters for ASEAN” project, a joint collaboration between the East-West Center in Washington and the Institute for Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS).

The project explores the important connections between the ten member states of ASEAN and the US and presents the underlying opportunities for both sides in enhancing their engagement.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said “Evidently, there is willingness by the US to re-engage ASEAN, which serves as a solid foundation of cooperation between the two sides.

The project is one that can directly benefit and reach the grass-roots level – the people. They will, after all, be the new players, the ones keeping the ASEAN-US relations warm and strong,” he added.

Speaking on the project, Director of the East-West Center Satu P. Limaye said “We want this to be breathing, living effort and continuously grab the attention of the people.” He added that the project has been familiarised to the government officers, business community and students across the US . It has also reached audiences in ASEAN member states./.