U.S. President Barack Obama declared Friday that Southeast Asia was becoming a positive player in global affairs as he convened the second U.S. summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “As a Pacific nation, the United States has an enormous stake in the people and the future of Asia,” Obama said, opening the summit of the 10 ASEAN member states on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly meetings. “We need partnerships with Asian nations to meet the challenges of growing our economy, preventing proliferation, and addressing climate change.” “As president, I've … made it clear that the United States intends to play a leadership role in Asia,” Obama said in New York City. “So we've strengthened old alliances; we've deepened new partnerships, as we are doing with China; and we've re-engaged with regional organizations, including ASEAN.” “ASEAN countries are increasingly playing a leadership role in the region. ASEAN itself has the potential to be a very positive force in global affairs,” Obama said. “That's why the United States has accepted ASEAN's invitation to join the East Asia summit which will help us meet regional and global challenges together.” The summit will be held in Jakarta next year.
