ASEAN centrality is at the core of the U.S. President's strategy for the Indo-Pacific, the diplomat stated in his recent interview with Indonesia’s Antara news agency.

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U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN Yohannes Abraham (Photo: ASEAN)

Abraham made this statement in response to questions on U.S. President Joe Biden's absence at the 43rd ASEAN Summit slated for September 5-7 in Jakarta.

Despite Biden's non-attendance at the 43rd ASEAN Summit, he affirmed that the U.S. Government remains committed to supporting ASEAN centrality.

This was evident from the special summit that the President held in Washington DC and his visit to Cambodia and Indonesia last year.

Meanwhile, for Vice President Kamala Harris, this trip will be her third to the region, and Indonesia will be the fifth ASEAN member state she has visited.

Source: VNA