The United States and ASEAN conducted the 37th annual U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue on April 22, 2025, in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The meeting was co-chaired by Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Sean O’Neill, alongside Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kung Phoak. Discussions focused on ongoing cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Sean O’Neill reaffirmed U.S. support for Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN and emphasized the robust and enduring partnership maintained with ASEAN over the past 48 years. He assured attendees of President Trump’s commitment to prioritize the safety, security, and prosperity of citizens.
O’Neill noted the United States' position as the leading foreign direct investor in the ASEAN region. He highlighted President Trump’s objective of achieving greater fairness and reciprocity in trade relationships. He also stressed the significance of expanding cooperation on cybersecurity, developing emerging technologies, promoting an inclusive digital economy, upholding freedom of navigation, and addressing transnational crime, including online scams and synthetic drugs. Additionally, he reiterated U.S. support for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.
The dialogue also covered significant geopolitical issues. O’Neill and his ASEAN counterparts discussed the importance of facilitating an open and free Indo-Pacific and countering external aggression. He highlighted the United States’ commitment to working closely with ASEAN to guide Burma towards democracy, in accordance with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. He urged Burma’s military regime to cease violence, release unjustly detained individuals, and provide unhindered humanitarian access. O’Neill stressed the need to maintain freedoms of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.
Finally, O’Neill offered condolences for the casualties in Burma and Thailand following the March 28 earthquake and stated continued U.S. support for humanitarian efforts during the recovery period.