US President Barack Obama (Photo:asianjournal.com)
Vientiane (VNA) – American engagement with Asia will endure after he leaves the While House, Barack Obama has said during his final visit to the region as US president.
Addressing in the Lao capital of Vientiane on September 6, Obama emphasised America’s interest in the Asia-Pacific reflects fundamental national interests.
He summarised the US pivot to the Asia-Pacific policy, in which he stressed a key priority to deepening the US engagement with nations and peoples of the Asia-Pacific.
He pledged to maintain the increase of military cooperation with countries such as the Philippines, Singapore and India, as well as a push for greater trade with the region.
Touching down in Vientiane on September 5 for the ASEAN-US Summit and the East Asian Summit, Obama became the first US president to visit Laos in office.
During his stay in Vientiane, Obama is scheduled to have bilateral meetings with President Bounnhang Vorachit and other senior officials of Laos to discuss measures to enhance the two countries’ coopera๊tion in economics, development, people-to-people diplomacy and other fields.-VNA
US President Barack Obama on September 6 pledged to provide Laos with 90 million USD to implement a three-year project to detect and remove dozens of millions of unexploded bombs dropped by the US.
US President Barack Obama began his official visit to Laos on September 6, which is the first to the Southeast Asian country made by a US president in history.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
US President Barack Obama (Photo:asianjournal.com)
