SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. First, I would like to thank my colleague from Cambodia for serving as our country coordinator for the second consecutive year. We deeply appreciate the extensive work involved in this process. I also want to extend my gratitude to the Secretary-General for his efforts in organizing this meeting and ensuring our participation.
As President Trump emphasized during the previous summit, the United States is 100 percent committed to ASEAN. This remains the primary mechanism for our engagement in the region, and you will see our continued commitment at the highest levels, including through our newly appointed ambassador. We also appreciate the exceptional hospitality provided by our host nation; our delegation has greatly enjoyed our time in your beautiful country. We recognize the immense effort required to host such an event and thank you for your phenomenal work.
Before addressing our agenda, I must address the urgent situation in the Middle East. I want to reiterate that the United States remains committed to diplomacy. We maintain an open-minded approach and are always prepared to engage in negotiated settlements to resolve differences. This remains the case regarding Iran.
Despite various outreach efforts—both direct and indirect—to discuss settling regional disputes, Iran has repeatedly failed to honor its commitments. As the President noted earlier today, the core issue is that Iran has not demonstrated a serious intent to engage in meaningful dialogue. If they are serious, we are prepared to engage; if they are not, we will take all necessary steps to protect our interests and those of our allies.
The core issue is fundamental: Iran is attempting to claim control over the transit of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This is an international waterway. In a region that understands the vital importance of freedom of navigation, we cannot allow a dangerous precedent to emerge where a nation-state decides to control an international waterway, impose tolls, or use force against shipping. Such a precedent would threaten the rules that have underpinned international trade for 150 years and jeopardize the global economy.
The United States remains willing to engage in constructive negotiations, provided that all parties adhere to their commitments. When those commitments are ignored, there will be consequences. Without accountability, a rogue regime could hold a significant portion of the world’s energy supply hostage by claiming rights over maritime transit that do not exist under international law.
Turning to our partnership in this region, I am proud to announce that U.S. commitment to ASEAN is being demonstrated through decisive action. As announced last year, the United States is leveraging all available government tools to strengthen these relations, including through foreign assistance.
As part of this initiative, we are delivering $2.5 billion in U.S. Government strategic investments in Southeast Asia. This is not charity; it is a strategic investment in the development of ASEAN, which is in the national interest of the United States. Our partnership with your nations is vital to our interests. Regardless of our bilateral relations with other countries, we will never compromise our alliances or our partners for the sake of other interests. Our relationship with every country represented here is essential to our national security.
Furthermore, we are utilizing various financial instruments to identify new opportunities within ASEAN. A recent approval by the Development Finance Corporation to provide $1.5 billion in new strategic investments—targeting aviation infrastructure, energy security, and secure supply chains—is a testament to what we can achieve together.
As this region becomes the engine of 21st-century economic growth, the security and prosperity of both the United States and Southeast Asia will remain deeply interconnected. As ASEAN develops its digital economy, diversifies energy sources, and builds secure supply chains, the United States aims to be your most trusted and featured partner.
We are also committing nearly $130 million in assistance to ASEAN countries for demining, reflecting our commitment to the safety of your citizens. We aim to support a more secure Southeast Asia through pragmatic and practical programs.
Additionally, we are working to boost regional energy security by supporting LNG market development, the deployment of U.S. grid technologies, the ASEAN power grid, safe civil nuclear energy programs, and critical mineral supply chains. As ASEAN implements the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, the United States will remain heavily engaged in these energy-related issues.
In closing, the United States stands with ASEAN. We are working together to strengthen our economies and our people through forward-looking collaboration. We aim to be your reliable and durable partner for the next 50 years and beyond. I look forward to our discussions today on the issues that will define our comprehensive strategic partnership for years to come. Thank you.