PH Participates in the 33rd ASEAN-US Dialogue via Videoconference

A dynamic and enduring ASEAN-US Strategic Partnership. PH Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader and Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, as seen on screen with Co-Chairs United States Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David R. Stilwell (top left) and H.E. Thongphane Savanphet of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (bottom left) during the 33rd ASEAN-US Dialogue.

PASAY CITY 06 August 2020 – The Philippines’ Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader, Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, along with fellow SOM Leaders in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General, and United States Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, David R. Stilwell met at the 33rd ASEAN-US Dialogue via videoconference on 5 August 2020.

The Meeting discussed the COVID-19 situation in their respective countries and emphasized that ASEAN and the US should continue to work together to address both the health and economic challenges brought by the pandemic. The Meeting underlined the importance of human capital development initiatives under the U.S.-ASEAN Strategic Partnership in buoying regional growth and development during this time.

Participants also reaffirmed the importance of having ASEAN-led regional mechanisms as the foundation of an enduring ASEAN-US partnership and highlighted ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture.

The Meeting also exchanged views on regional concerns and underscored the importance of a peaceful, secure and stable South China Sea.

The US conveyed that it continues to place ASEAN centrality at the heart of the US vision for the Indo Pacific. Assistant Secretary Stilwell outlined the US’ COVID-19 assistance to ASEAN and ASEAN-US regional programs in the pipeline including on health futures initiatives, regional development cooperation and strengthening people-to-people ties. Both sides looked forward to the next ASEAN-US Ministerial Meetings in September and the ASEAN-US Summit in November to discuss more meaningful engagements under the ASEAN-US strategic partnership. END

Guess who's back? During the 33rd ASEAN-US Dialogue with SOM Leaders of ASEAN Member States and the United States, SOM Leader for the Philippines Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso was warmly welcomed by all.

Ambassador Buensuceso is a well-known and esteemed figure in the ASEAN circle, having been the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN for the past six years. She has also led and chaired various ASEAN bodies throughout her diplomatic career.