Tillerson reaffirms US’ continued ties with South-East Asia

Common goals: Anifah and Tillerson arriving at a working lunch for Asean ministers at the State Department in Washington. — Reuters

PETALING JAYA: In his first meeting with Asean Foreign Ministers, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reaffirmed Washington’s conti­nued engagement with South-East Asia and efforts to address challenges in the region, specifically North Korea and the disputed South China Sea.

The meeting in Washington was held amid the 40th anniversary of Asean-US dialogue relations this year, with President Donald Trump making a commitment to attend the 5th Asean-US Summit and 12th East Asia Summit in Manila in Novem­ber.