Brunei - From Hawaii to Bali: Leaders gear for East Asia Summit

THE upcoming East Asia Summit (EAS) will see discussion on stability, free flows of commerce, and ensure rules for maritime drilling, US President Barack Obama yesterday said.

During a dialogue session at the Apec CEO Summit 2011, he said leaders would be discussing issues in an open and fair way.

"One of things I'm very sure about is the eagerness of countries to see the US re-engaged in this region," he said.

Obama said that he believed that American leadership would be welcomed because the US had shown the will to look outside personal interests and set rules and norms in the international arena that everyone could follow.

"People can appreciate that, but I don't want to underestimate anything regarding the trade agreement like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), or security issues faced in the Pacific," he said.

Obama assured that the US was poised to work in the spirit of mutual interest and respect with countries around the world, but continue to be a country people look to for active engagement.

Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in a separate session, said that Asia-Pacific countries could produce a peaceful solution to ensure stability, security and peace in the region.

"In the EAS at Bali, we will discuss matters on climate change, efforts to combat terrorism, disaster relief operations and other issues," he said.

Yudhoyono said that the Americans must enhance and increase engagement and partnership with Asean and East Asia.

"No doubt, (with) the inclusion of US and Russia in the EAS, my hope is to truly enhance economic cooperation, not just with East Asia's China, Japan and India, but with the likes of Asean as well," he said.

Yudhoyono said the Asean economy was doing "very well", and with the US, he hoped that cooperation between the two will further improve.

Asean together with East Asian countries would no doubt bring benefit to everyone, the US included, he said.

However, Yudhoyono said that the world should not be dominated by one single super power.

"The world and its economy is always changing," he said, adding that the economic power which was once in the US and EU, has now shifted to Asia.

"If we can agree to develop and establish a dynamic equilibrium in the Asia-Pacific and East Asia, the presence of US can be a main player to ensure the region can grow economically, have political security, and also address other global issues."

GOH DE NO

The Brunei Times

Business & Investment Opportunities

YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.