A SUMMIT between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the United States is rescheduled for May 12-13 in the US capital city of Washington, according to the Asean chair’s press statement released late today.

The statement said Asean leaders and President Joe Biden will meet to discuss ways and means to intensify cooperation in various areas, including Covid-19 response and global health security, climate change, sustainable development, maritime cooperation, human capital development, education and people-to-people ties, as well as connectivity and economic engagement.

“The leaders of Asean and the United States will chart the future direction of Asean-US relations and seek to further enhance strategic partnership for the mutual benefits of the peoples of Asean and the United States,” the statement said as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Cambodia is the Asean chair for 2022.

The leaders will reiterate their shared commitment to uphold Asean centrality and unity through existing Asean-led mechanisms, as well as to foster mutual trust and confidence to maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the region, the statement said.

The summit was originally slated for March 28-29 but postponed due to some Asean leaders being unable to attend.

Founded in 1967, Asean comprises of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. – Bernama, April 17, 2022.