The 28^th annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-U.S. Dialogue began in Washington D.C. May 14 and will continue through May 15.

ASEAN promotes political and economic cooperation and regional stability in South East Asia.  Chaired by Malaysia in 2015, it is made up of ten member nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Due to ASEAN’s excellent relationship with the U.S., the annual ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Dialogue is one of the avenues that aids in a variety of regional stability opportunities.  Relations are guided by a five-year plan of action to implement the ASEAN-U.S. Enhanced Partnership for Enduring Peace and Prosperity.

ASEAN’s reach goes beyond its ten members as it works with other nations and organizations in ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN-U.S. summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus, and others in the political security arena.

The united effort of ASEAN allows its member states to have greater influence on Asia-Pacific trade, political, and security issues than they could achieve individually.  ASEAN has three focus areas: Political-Security, Economic and Socio-Cultural.  Its efforts are pursued largely on consultation, consensus, and cooperation.

Meetings like this one allow the U.S. to once again reaffirm its cooperation to ASEAN as it plays a greater global role, particularly in global issues such as climate change and countering terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalization.

At the last Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting held on May 8, the U.S. highlighted the importance of ASEAN in the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. also reaffirmed strong and continued cooperation of ASEAN unity and centrality, and anticipation of working with ASEAN to promote a norms-based and rules-based regional architecture conducive to peace, security and development.

At the same meeting, ASEAN voiced its appreciation for U.S. cooperation and assistance.  They also encouraged the U.S. to continue its contribution to regional peace, stability and prosperity through its ongoing active participation in various ASEAN-led mechanisms such as ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus, East Asia Summit, and Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum.

By engaging in dialogue with ASEAN, the U.S. supports shared international rules and norms helps shape collective responses to shared issues and works to ensure peaceful resolution of disputes.