President Biden reaffirmed the enduring US commitment to the Indo-Pacific and outlined his vision for the region, which sought a region that is open, connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure….reports Asian Lite News
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced that America will explore the development of an Indo-Pacific economic framework that will define the shared objectives of its partners.
During the annual East Asia Summit (EAS), Biden discussed regional and international challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis, a White House statement read.
He attended leaders of the ASEAN member states and representatives from Australia, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and Russia virtually.
According to the statement, President Biden reaffirmed the enduring US commitment to the Indo-Pacific and outlined his vision for the region, which sought a region that is open, connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure.
President Biden also announced that the United States will explore with partners the development of an Indo-Pacific economic framework that will define “our shared objectives around trade facilitation, standards for the digital economy and technology, supply chain resiliency, decarbonization and clean energy, infrastructure, worker standards, and other areas of shared interest.”
Furthermore, the President also reiterated the US commitment to the international rules-based order and expressed concern over threats to that order. He made clear that the United States will continue to stand with allies and partners in support of democracy, human rights, rule of law, and freedom of the seas.
Putin urges closer anti-pandemic cooperation
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed the creation of a regional mechanism aimed at promoting closer cooperation against Covid-19 among countries of the Asia-Pacific region at the 16th East Asia Summit.
“We suggest that a regional mechanism for anti-pandemic collaboration be established under the aegis of the East Asia Summits, and we will shortly submit specific considerations on this score via the expert channels,” Putin said during his speech on Wednesday.
Among the Covid-19 response initiatives introduced by the president was a proposal to expand training opportunities for epidemiologists from ASEAN countries, reports Xinhua news agency.
“We advocate the development of a procedure for the mutual recognition of vaccination certificates,” Putin said, adding that such a mechanism is necessary to ensure the free movement of citizens across the Asia-Pacific region.
“I would like to note that Russia is seeking to make a real contribution to efforts aimed at ensuring free and non-discriminatory access to vaccines against Covid-19 for citizens of all states,” he said.
Alongside anti-coronavirus cooperation, the Russian leader discussed economic relations and prospects for collaboration in the tourism sector.
He also pointed to the importance of joint efforts aimed at tackling climate change, including through coordinated approaches with regard to innovative solutions to decarbonization, and the development of low-emission industries.
The 16th East Asia Summit, which was chaired by Brunei, was held in the format of a video conference. (ANI/IANS)
