US recognises strategic importance of Asean, says Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the US-Asean Leaders Summit represented 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 on Sunday (Monday MYT). Najib said the two-day summit starting on Monday would provide 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. – Bernama, February 15, 2016.]]>