SUNNYLANDS: On the eve of the US-ASEAN Leaders Summit here Monday (Tuesday in Malaysia), Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the summit represents a recognition by the United States of the diplomatic, economic and strategic importance of Asean.
“It is a significant meeting for both Asean and the United States.
“It is the first summit after the elevation of the dialogue relations to a strategic partnership in November last year in Kuala Lumpur (during the Asean Summit and related summits),” he said here Sunday (Monday in Malaysia).
Najib said the two-day summit starting Monday would provide the leaders with the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the principles underlying the strategic partnership.
The summit would also provide guidance on the way forward for US-Asean ties, he said.
US President Barack Obama and 10 leaders from Southeast Asia, including Najib, are scheduled to attend the two-day summit starting Monday.
On the first day, the leaders are expected to deliberate on the future economic growth of Asean based on innovation and entrepreneurship.
On the second, they are likely to discuss political and security issues including counter-terrorism, transnational challenges and the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, Malaysian International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the leaders would also discuss promotion of digital economy and clean technology initiatives when they meet during the economic session on Monday.
“There will be open discussion and a free flow of ideas among the leaders,” he told Malaysian journalists here Sunday (Monday in Malaysia).