Jakarta, Indonesia
September 6, 2023
“I commend the U.S. leadership for the hard work and vision that resulted in the Joint Statement now known as ‘The Spirit of Camp David’,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated during his intervention at the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations – United States of America (ASEAN – U.S.) Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Speaking before his fellow ASEAN Leaders and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the President asserted that the trilateral joint statement cemented a common security agenda among the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in supporting the free and open international order based on the rule of law.
“The statement opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific and the militarization of reclaimed features in the South China Sea, as well as expresses concern for the continued illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing that affects our fisherfolk,” he said, adding that he welcomes the trilateral maritime exercises conducted among the Coast Guards of the Philippines, Japan, and the United States, which are aimed at strengthening Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) cooperation.
On the economic front, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the foreign direct investment from the U.S to the region, which accounts for 22.5% market share. He expressed optimism for a higher turnover of goods and services through the implementation of the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) and the Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Work.
On the economic front, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the foreign direct investment from the U.S to the region, which accounts for 22.5% market share. He expressed optimism for a higher turnover of goods and services through the implementation of the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) and the Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Work.
He also acknowledged the United States’ continued initiatives in education, especially in youth and women empowerment, such as the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI); the Billion Futures Scholars framework; the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar; the ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women; and the ASEAN Youth Volunteer Program, among others.
“As we forge closer and deeper relationships in the coming years, we hope to continue working together towards a region that enjoys lasting peace, security, stability, and resilience,” he ended in his statement.
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