His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, as ASEAN Chair for 2021, chaired the 9th ASEAN-United States Summit, held virtually via video conference from Baitul Mesyuarah, Istana Nurul Iman. At the 9th ASEAN-United States Summit, His Majesty in a titah reaffirms Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to working closely with the United States to advance ASEAN-U.S. relationship, uphold multilateralism and enhance regional development, peace and stability.
In the titah, the Monarch welcomes His Excellency President Joseph Biden to his first ASEAN-U.S. Summit and expresses pleasure with the United States’ proactive engagement with ASEAN since the start of his presidency. His Majesty then underscores the importance of preparing the future generation with the right skills that are relevant to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Aside from that, the Monarch calls for ASEAN-U.S. cooperation in digital technology, innovation and economy to help build ASEAN’s capacities in utilising digital solutions for sustainable development of the region, as well as to advance COVID-19 recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Joseph Biden, President of the United States in his statement reaffirmed the US’ commitment to ASEAN centrality and hoped to deepen the longstanding relationship between ASEAN and the US through the exploration of new avenues of cooperation. Furthermore, His Excellency looked forward to advance shared interests, values and vision for maintaining resilience and security in the region.
His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia delivered the ASEAN Common Statement as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations, which outlined the need for ASEAN and the US to strengthen peace and stability in the region; the prioritization of economic integration and cooperation to promote sustainable development; as well as the hope for the US to become a key partner in ASEAN’s new health architecture.
Source: Radio Television Brunei