In a recent joint statement, the United States and the Association of Southeast Asia nations (ASEAN) have expressed their commitment to narrowing the development gap within the bloc and aiding in the region's economic recovery. The statement, known as the ASEAN-US Leaders' Statement, highlights the mutual support between the US and ASEAN in addressing the economic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. US Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Jakarta to attend a summit with ASEAN leaders, which was hosted by Indonesia.

During the summit, both the US and ASEAN pledged to promote stability, peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the Mekong subregion. The countries agreed to collaborate on shared initiatives under the Mekong-US Partnership (MUSP), while also backing the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the IAI Work Plan IV (2021-2025). Furthermore, the US and ASEAN aim to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals. Their efforts will focus on enhancing cooperation in various areas, including food security, health security, gender equality, human rights, clean energy and climate action, smart and sustainable cities, environmental conservation, transparency, and the rule of law.

The joint statement also emphasizes the importance of accelerating the clean and just energy transition and combating climate change, as well as supporting the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). The US commended Indonesia for its efforts as the Chair of ASEAN in elevating and mainstreaming the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). This outlook serves as a catalyst for cooperation between ASEAN and the US across political-security, economic, and socio-cultural communities. Both the US and ASEAN stressed that it is in the best interest of ASEAN, with the support of external partners like the United States, to remain at the center of the regional architecture.

They emphasized the importance of shaping dynamics that promote peace, security, stability, and prosperity for the peoples in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. The joint statement highlights the alignment between the AOIP and the United States' Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) in promoting an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture. Lastly, the statement reaffirms the commitment to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the ASEAN Charter, as well as the shared values enshrined in various agreements, such as the Declaration on Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN), the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

This joint effort between the United States and ASEAN showcases the commitment to narrowing the development gap and fostering economic recovery within the region. It underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals and promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.