Rubio Says US‑ASEAN Partnership Driven By Strategic Interests, ASEAN Remains Priority for Washington

MANILA, July 23, 2026 (KPT) – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to ASEAN, saying the partnership is rooted in long‑term strategic interests and will remain a priority for the United States.

Speaking at the ASEAN Post‑Ministerial Conference with the United States in Manila, Rubio described ASEAN as the main platform for US engagement in Southeast Asia.

“As President Trump stated last year at the leaders’ meeting, we’re with ASEAN 100 percent,” he said.

Rubio thanked Cambodia for serving as US country coordinator for ASEAN for a second year, praising its role in advancing cooperation.

He stressed that US support was “not charity” but part of broader national interests, adding that Southeast Asia is a key driver of global growth.

“The future and the story of the 21st century will be written in this region,” he said.

Rubio announced US$2.5 billion in strategic investments across Southeast Asia, alongside US$1.5 billion in financing from the US Development Finance Corporation.

He also highlighted nearly US$130 million in assistance for humanitarian demining and pledged cooperation on energy security, including LNG, civil nuclear programmes and critical minerals.

He concluded by saying the United States intends to remain a “reliable and durable partner” for ASEAN for the next 50 years and beyond, strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership.