Secretary Robert Gates delivered these remarks while at Camp Casey, South Korea

Q. Secretary, could you talk about the meeting of yours and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to DMZ tomorrow morning?

Secretary Gates. Well, I think that we first of all want to make a gesture of respect for both the Korean and U.S. and other soldiers who are up there. I think it's a useful reminder that we are in an armistice and that this is a volatile region as we saw with the Cheonan. And basically is I think a gesture of solidarity with our Korean allies and recognition that the issues of missile and nuclear proliferation in the North continue to be serious challenges for us and for our allies and we intend to take them seriously.

Q. Are you going to give a speech there?

Secretary Gates. No. No. I don't think so. I think it's mainly to go up there and to have a bit of a tour of the facilities. And, as I say, thank the men and women in the service up there.

Q. Mr. Secretary, what are you concerns that these exercise might upset China? There's been some talk in Beijing that exercises in international waters up its coast would be seen negatively?

Secretary Gates. Well, these exercises are off the coast of Korea, not off the coast of China. These are exercises like we have conducted for decades in the past. We have conducted them in both the West and East Seas. And so there's nothing provocative about them at all.

Q. Will the George Washington be going to the East Sea because China didn't want it in the West?

Secretary Gates. Well, I think one of the things we'll discuss is the sequence—tomorrow is the sequencing of exercises, but there should be no doubt in anybody's mind that we intend to exercise in both seas.

Q. But will the George Washington exercise specifically in the—

Secretary Gates. We haven't decided that. Okay.

Q. Mr. Secretary, do you feel that North Korea has paid enough of a price for this incident at this point and that the exercise is another attempt to sort of raise the stakes for them?

Secretary Gates. Well, I think North Korea, first of all, is about as isolated as a country can get in terms of the number of U.N. sanctions that have been voted against them. There's a great deal of hardship in the North due to the policies of the leadership. I think that the U.N.—the president's letter was pretty clear and pretty firm in the condemnation. I think it was important that all of the nations signed on to it, particularly those who've been involved in the six-party talks. So I think this is an ongoing challenge that has to be managed over a period of years and I think that the pressures continue slowly to build on the North.

Q. What kind of priority the Afghanistan issue will be in the two-plus-two meeting tomorrow?

Secretary Gates. It will be discussed, but I would say that the primary focus of the talks are going to be on our bilateral relationships and on the next step forward in the alliance.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and Under Secretary Erlinda Basilio delivered these remarks in Hanoi, Vietnam

Under Secretary Basilio. Your Excellency, Hillary Rodham Clinton. Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, we extend our warmest welcome to Her Excellency, Hillary Clinton, and the distinguished members of her delegation to the ASEAN Ministerial Conference with the United States of America.

The Philippines is, indeed, honored to be in the esteemed role as country coordinator for the ASEAN-U.S. dialogue relations. We see this meeting as an opportunity to further expand the ties between the ASEAN region and the United States, which have now been given a renewed vigor under the administration of President Barack Obama.

In the past year, since our last meeting in Thailand, we have seen great strides in our region's relations with the United States. It is now once again an important time for all of us to look at our achievements and exchange our views on how to move forward further in our cooperation in the political, security, economic, and social, cultural areas which are of the utmost importance and relevance for our mutual benefit.

It is also a good opportunity for us to reflect on the current situation in global and regional affairs, and offer our views and suggestions on how best we can jointly address them. Foremost among these concerns are the impact of the recent global financial crisis, the continuing war against terror, and the growing precariousness of the security situation in our region, and our neighbors.

We also take this opportunity for us to review the achievements coming from the historic first meeting of ASEAN and U.S. leaders in November 2009, and to come to a final arrangement for the second ASEAN-U.S. leaders meeting this year.

I look forward to a very productive exchange among all of us, as we proceed to discuss the important agenda at hand. I welcome all of you to (inaudible). And once again, thank you for your presence.

I would like to invite Her Excellency, Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State, to deliver her opening remarks.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you very much, Under Secretary Basilio. And thank you to the government and people of Vietnam for hosting this very important event. And it's a pleasure to see so many of my colleagues here today.

The ASEAN-U.S. Ministerial Meeting is an essential element of our increased engagement. President Obama and I both share a view that America's future is intimately tied to that of the Asia-Pacific. The United States is a Pacific nation, and we are committed to being an active partner with ASEAN and with all of you. Our partnership is rooted in common interests. We are committed to assisting the nations of Southeast Asia to remain strong and independent, and that each nation enjoys peace, stability, prosperity, and access to universal human rights.

The United States is very supportive and optimistic about the future of this region, because it is one that is rich in history, culture, and now economic growth: representing nearly 600 million people, America's sixth largest export market, and hosting more U.S. business investment than China. It anchors the wider Asia-Pacific, which is at the heart of our shared efforts to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century.

Last year, when I attended our meeting in Thailand, my message was simple. The United States was recommitted to working with our partners in Southeast Asia to advance our shared interests and values. Today we will discuss our progress and the concrete steps we are taking to make good on this promise, including new investments in shared priorities and new avenues for cooperation.

We believe that Southeast Asia and the United States must cooperate effectively to deliver real results for all of our people. So let me thank our hosts for their hospitality, and thanks to all of you for your friendship and partnership. And I look forward to our discussion. Thank you, Under Secretary.

Under Secretary Basilio. Very perceptive remarks. I now request the members of the media to leave the room for the procession. I thank you for (inaudible) the opening session.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem delivered these remarks in Hanoi, Vietnam

Secretary Clinton. Thank you very much. It is a real pleasure for me to be back in Vietnam. And I have had the good fortune of observing the evolution of our relationship over the last 15 years ever since my husband, President Bill Clinton, took steps to normalize our relations. And we came on our first visit 10 years ago, which was a wonderful opportunity for me to see so much of the progress that was taking place. And now upon my return, I am looking forward to seeing even more.

My meetings today are very important to furthering our bilateral relationship. I think that Minister Khiem and I had candid and productive discussions on issues, as he said, ranging from trade and investment to health and education, to good governance, human rights, humanitarian and security issues. The Obama Administration is prepared to take the U.S.-Vietnam relationship to the next level on these issues and in new areas of cooperation. We see this relationship not only as important on its own merits, but as part of a strategy aimed at enhancing American engagement in the Asia Pacific and in particular Southeast Asia. We spoke about a range of challenges affecting regional security, including Burma, North Korea, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and we welcome Vietnam's constructive leadership and its excellent contributions to ASEAN, including its very important role as ASEAN chair. We also discussed our growing cooperation on civil nuclear power and counter-proliferation efforts. Vietnam is an active partner in both areas.

In the past three months alone, Vietnam participated in President Obama's Nuclear Security Summit, endorsed the global initiative to combat nuclear terrorism, and signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States on civil nuclear cooperation. Now, as with any country, we do not agree on everything. We have different experiences historically and culturally, but we had candid discussions about the issues we do view differently. The United States is committed to working with nations everywhere to help strengthen civil society as a fundamental ingredient of political, economic, and social progress. And Vietnam, with its extraordinary dynamic population, is on the path to becoming a great nation with an unlimited potential. And that is among the reasons we express concern about arrest and conviction of people for peaceful dissent, attacks on religious groups, and curbs on internet freedom.

We look to work in a spirit of cooperation and friendship to support efforts to pursue reforms and protect basic rights and freedoms. And we are particularly seeking to promote economic progress in Vietnam through broad-based growth built on Vietnam's integration into the regional and global economy. We discussed our shared interest in expanding trade to create jobs in both countries. And I am very much supportive of Vietnam's participation as a full member in the Trans-Pacific partnership. As Vietnam embarks on labor and other reforms, the American businesses that are investing in Vietnam can provide expertise that will aid Vietnam's economic and infrastructure development.

Mr. Minister, we have a full and formidable agenda. But I believe our discussion today has helped lay the foundation for continued progress in our relationship. So again, let me thank you for the warm hospitality and the discussions that we've enjoyed on this auspicious occasion. Thank you, Minister.

Q. May I introduce myself? I'm (inaudible) from the Television of Vietnam News. My question goes to Madam Secretary. What is the specific plan for the U.S. in cooperation with Vietnam to deal with the consequences of the wars in Vietnam?

Secretary Clinton. The minister and I discussed the concern that both Vietnam and the United States have about Agent Orange and the consequences that it produced in the people here. As you know, we have been working with Vietnam for about nine years to try to remedy the effects of Agent Orange and I told the minister that I would work to increase our cooperation and make even greater progress together.

Q. Question to the Secretary first. I would like to ask you about Burma. You've expressed in the past concerns about the possibility that Burma is pursuing a nuclear program, that it has connections with North Korea on that front. I was wondering whether you were planning to present any evidence to members of ASEAN about your suspicions. And if you could tell us a little bit more about how you feel one year on or ten months on about how your efforts to engage Burma are actually going.

And to the minister, the Secretary said that she'd raised the issue of human rights and I was wondering what your response was.

Secretary Clinton. Well, first with respect to problems in Burma and the impact not only on the people of that country, but on the neighbors as the outflow of refugees continues and the consequent instability because of that. I believe that the ASEAN nations correctly raised yesterday in their meeting their concerns about Burma and particularly the planned elections that Burma has said will be held, but without providing any details, even the date, raising questions about their commitment to such elections. I've also shared with the minister our concerns about the exporting by North Korea of military materiel and equipment to Burma. We know that a ship from North Korea recently delivered military equipment to Burma and we continue to be concerned by the reports that Burma may be seeking assistance from North Korea with regard to a nuclear program. So this is a matter that is of concern to ASEAN and it is of concern to the United States. And we will be discussing further ways in which we can cooperate to alter the actions of the government in Burma and encourage the leaders there to commit to reform and change and the betterment of their own people.

Minister Khiem. With respect to human rights issue, we discussed this matter and this is, I think, that the difference between Vietnam and the U.S. I believe that the best way to have—enhance the mutual understanding is through promoting the dialogues. This is a very positive way and let me enter some more points that human rights have common values, but it also has its typical features, because it depends a lot on the cultural and historical backgrounds. And it is very important to work closely together to share the views and (inaudible) together during our talk. I appreciated very much the opinions of President Obama regarding human rights. He said that there's no perfect way and each country should select their own ways, depending on the circumstances of the nation and the human rights values shouldn't be imposed from the outside. And I also value very much the observation from Madam Secretary at the university in 2009, that the human rights should (inuadible).

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Hanoi, Vietnam

Secretary Robert Gates delivered these remarks while in Jakarta, Indonesia

Secretary Gates. Thank you and good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be back in Jakarta. I just concluded a very good meeting with the president and his colleagues. We discussed a broad range of bilateral, regional and global security issues and talked about many areas where our two militaries are working together to advance our common interests.

I was pleased to be able to tell the president that as a result of Indonesian military reforms over the past decade, the ongoing professionalization of the TNI, and recent actions taken by the Ministry of Defense to address human rights issues, the United States will begin a gradual, limited program of security cooperation activities with the Indonesian Army Special Forces.

I noted to the president that these initial steps will take place within the limits of U.S. law and do not signal any lessening of the importance we place on human rights and accountability. What's more, our ability to expand upon these initial steps will depend upon continued implementation of reforms within Kopassus and TNI as a whole.

We consider this a very significant development in our military to military relationship and look forward to working even more closely with TNI in the years to come. Now, if you'll excuse me, the minister and I have to meet to discuss this and other security matters. And, I'll be meeting with the Indonesian and U.S. press later this afternoon to take your questions. Thank you.

Secretary Robert Gates delivered these remarks while in Jakarta, Indonesia

Secretary Gates. This is my second visit to Indonesia as Secretary of Defense, and I'm pleased to be here again to experience first-hand how our bilateral relationship has matured.

This is a very important time in our relationship, as we're broadening, deepening and elevating the ties under the auspices of the Defense Framework Agreement that was signed in June and the overall U.S.-Indonesia comprehensive partnership.

I had very good discussions today with President Yudhoyono and Defense Minister Purnomo. We discussed a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues. Our nations share a number of interests, and we spent some time talking about those and how we can work together to address our common security challenges.

Regionally, for example, we talked about the upcoming ASEAN defense ministers’ meeting plus in Hanoi in October and our views of the South China Sea. Bilaterally, we discussed progress in three key areas: maritime security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and peacekeeping operations.

These are areas where the government in Indonesia has clearly defined a role for the Indonesian armed forces, and we are already cooperating closely in these areas.

We also discussed where we could increase and improve this cooperation so that Indonesia can expand its leadership in the region and globally. For example, the government of Indonesia has vast humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief experience, and the United States is committed to assisting with improving the Indonesian armed forces’ mobility and airlift capabilities in this area. Indeed, Ambassador Hume recently attended the sendoff ceremony for the first Indonesian C-130 that is headed to the United States for a complete overhaul in Oklahoma City.

Indonesia also has an important role to play in maritime security, given that it sits astride key sea lines of communication and other—and nearby to other key waterways.

We discussed how we could support each other in terms of providing for better security and surveillance of Indonesia's waters and exclusive economic zone.

I would also note that Indonesia is one of the largest contributors to the United Nations peacekeeping operations and has a significant deployment in Lebanon right now.

We also remain committed to working together in the area of defense reform and professionalization of the TNI. As you all know, the Indonesian armed forces have undertaken important military reforms since the fall of Suharto.

Most recently, the Ministry of Defense has publicly pledged to protect human rights and advance human-rights accountability and committed to suspend active-duty military officials credibly—to suspend from active duty military officials credibly accused of human-rights abuses, remove from military service any member convicted of such abuses, and cooperate with the prosecution of members of the military who have violated human rights.

The president and I discussed these commitments again today. I told the president that as a result of these significant steps and other reforms that the TNI has undertaken, the United States will begin a measured and gradual program of security cooperation activities with the Indonesian army special forces, KOPASSUS, within the limits of U.S. law.

The process will begin with staff-level discussions to begin common understanding of how each of us operates and trains. Subsequently, cooperation could include activities such as participation in select conferences and events involving non-lethal subjects such as rule of law, human rights, and the military decision-making process.

I noted to the president and defense minister that these initial steps do not signal any lessening of the importance we place on human rights and accountability. And that our ability to expand upon these initial steps will be based on continued implementation of reforms within the TNI.

I believe that taking these initial steps is important for a number of reasons, including that KOPASSUS members are already involved in U.N. peacekeeping operations and would also likely have a role in any major crisis response or hostage-taking incident.

What has struck me during this visit is that this is no longer a relationship that is focused on how the United States can assist Indonesia. It is a relationship that is built on how our two countries can assist the region and the world.

As Indonesia takes on even greater roles in providing leadership in the region and beyond, this becomes an even more important relationship for the United States. And our bilateral relationship becomes even more important to effectively addressing broader regional and global issues.

Since I noticed that you all have copies of this—you can grade my reading skills.

Q. My question is, since we have a plan that will have a comprehensive partnership and that Indonesia as an equal partnership, is it possible for USA to really have any cooperation because it seems that United States is still dictating in many things, including in terms of human rights.

Secretary Gates. Well, I think that actually a lot of the initiative for the improvement in human rights here in Indonesia has come from within Indonesia and from within the Indonesian government. And I would say that President Yudhoyono has played an important part in these reforms.

And so I would—we have—all over the world we make known our interest in human rights. But what takes—what is required for action is the initiative and the will of governments around the world to legislate these reforms and to implement them. So this isn't something the United States dictates. This is something that comes from within.

And it is, I think, a measure of the extraordinary progress here in Indonesia over the past 10 or a dozen years, the progress that has been made in this area. And I understand there are dramatically declining numbers of incidents of violations of human rights. And I think this is a tribute to the people and government of Indonesia. This is not something the United States has dictated.

Q. Mr. Secretary, the U.S. military has strengthened its relationships with a number of countries—Pakistan, Cambodia, Indonesia and others that haven't always had very good reputations in terms of human rights. Are you concerned that the U.S. might be seen as losing its voice or influence in this regard, that it doesn't put the same priority on human rights as it does on pressing security needs?

Secretary Gates. I think that the question boils down to how do you best further advance human rights. And my view is that, particularly if people are making an effort to make progress, that recognizing that effort and working with them further will produce greater gains in human rights for people than simply standing back and shouting at people.

And so I think that we do—there are expectations that we have. And as I said, we laid out a path early in the year of what it would take. The commitments that I described in this paper have been undertaken. They are fulfilling those commitments. We anticipate they will continue to fulfill them. We think this is a pathway to greater human rights rather than a lessening of interest or priority in human rights.

Q. This defense reform, is it also including conversation—(inaudible)—modernize our weapons?

Secretary Gates. We are very interested in working with the TNI about force modernization. We probably have one of the most active programs of cooperation with the TNI more broadly of any country certainly in the Pacific Command area.

There'll be—in fiscal year ‘11, there'll be something like 140 different joint military activities. We're clearly working with—as I referenced in my remarks, we're clearly working with respect to the C-130s and upgrading those. And we're also willing to look at other areas where we can cooperate with Indonesia as well.

Q. The cooperation—(inaudible)—in three areas, with maritime, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations. And I want to ask about the cooperation on trans-border crime in this region. How is the cooperation between the United States and Indonesia, and how the United States sees Indonesia in this area, transborder crime?

Secretary Gates. Well, I would say, more broadly, that, first of all, I think the counterterrorism cooperation between our two countries is very strong and I would congratulate Indonesia on the success of its counterterrorism efforts over the last couple of years. Even since my last visit here in 2008 there have been some notable counterterrorism achievements and successes.

By the same token, I think that the effort that we have made, working with not just Indonesia but also Malaysia and Singapore in terms of maritime surveillance with respect to piracy and crime and so on has really had quite a positive effect. And I think the three countries, using some of the radars and other equipment that we have provided, I think there has been a real change in the environment in terms of crime and piracy, say, compared to off the Africa coast, Horn of Africa.

So I would say that these transnational issues, that the cooperation not just between the United States and Indonesia but among a number of countries here in the region has been very positive and is certainly headed in the right direction.

Q. Okay. Yes, my name is Takashi Fudo with Jiji Presss, Japan. Thank you very much. Regarding the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa in Japan, Japanese defense minister said the Futenma replacement facility issue should be delayed by the end of November when the Okinawan governor election is done. So, what do you think of this idea, the delay of the Futenma issue? Is there any concern you have?

Secretary Gates. First of all, I just would like to express my appreciation for the agreement of a few weeks ago that we would go forward—between the two governments that we would go forward with Futenma. I think it is clear that there are some domestic political challenges that the Japanese government faces in this regard, and speaking for myself personally, I am willing to be patient as they deal with those issues.

Q. Mr. Secretary, I'm wondering, how can the USA compete with China when China is now very eager to cooperate with many countries without asking about human rights whatsoever? So, what do you think about that?

Secretary Gates. Well, first of all, I think most of the people in the world care about human rights. Some of their governments may not. And I think, frankly, the United States is on the side of history in this area. And we want good relations with all countries as well and we're open to talking with all countries.

But our commitment to human rights and to human liberty is as old as our republic. We will never be silent about these issues. And, frankly, I think—as I say, I think you're looking at somebody who was very much involved in the Cold War and with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. Three-hundred-million people found a much greater degree of freedom than they had had in their entire lifetimes. This is the direction of history and I think we're on the side of history.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. Well good afternoon everyone. Today I complete my fifth trip to Asia since becoming Secretary of State. Yesterday, I arrived in Vietnam and I was honored to be here to help celebrate the 15^th anniversary of the normalization of our diplomatic relations. The day before, I was in Seoul, my third visit to Korea as Secretary. Together, Secretary Gates and I have sent the strong message that 60 years after the outbreak of the Korean War the U.S.-Korea alliance is strong, helping to underwrite peace and security and create the conditions for economic growth throughout the region.

And now I've just completed two days of intensive consultations with my ASEAN colleagues and with the other partners who have come here to pursue a common endeavor: strengthening security, prosperity, and opportunity across Asia.

Yesterday, I participated in the annual U.S.-ASEAN post-ministerial meeting where we discussed my country's deepening engagement with Southeast Asia and the opportunities we see ahead on so many fronts—from expanded trade investment, to greater cooperation on peace and security, to joint efforts to confront transnational challenges, like climate change, human trafficking, nuclear proliferation, and so much else.

And today I've joined the annual meeting of the larger ASEAN regional forum to continue and expand our discussions. As I stated when I attended this forum last summer in Thailand, the Obama Administration is committed to broad, deep, and sustained engagement in Asia. And as I discussed in a speech in Hawaii last fall, we are focused on helping strengthen the institutional architecture of the Asia Pacific.

Over the last 18 months we have signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, announced our intention to open a mission and name an ambassador to ASEAN in Jakarta, and held the first U.S.-ASEAN summit. And we have pursued new subregional efforts like our new Mekong Delta partnership.

To build on that progress I conveyed to my colleagues our interest in engaging with the East Asia Summit as it plays an increasing role in the challenges of our time. And I announced that President Obama had asked me to represent the United States in an appropriate capacity at this year's EAS in Hanoi to continue a process of consultations with a view toward full American participation at the presidential level in 2011. Through these consultations we will be working with EAS members to encourage its development into a foundational security and political institution for Asia in this century. The President also looks forward to hosting the second U.S.-ASEAN leaders meeting in the United States this coming autumn.

Today we discussed a number of urgent challenges including North Korea and Burma. I encouraged our partners and allies to continue to implement fully and transparently UN Security Council Resolution 1874, and to press North Korea to live up to its international obligations. I also urged Burma to put in place the necessary conditions for credible elections including releasing all political prisoners, especially Aung San Suu Kyi, respecting basic human rights, and ceasing attacks against their ethnic minorities. And as I said in our meetings today, it is critical that Burma hear from its neighbors about the need to abide by its commitments, under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, to fulfill its IAEA safeguards obligations and complies with Resolutions 1874 and 1718.

We also discussed a number of other important topics: climate change, trading and economic integration, democracy and human rights. And I took the opportunity along with a number of my ASEAN and ASEAN Regional Forum colleagues to set forth my government's position on an issue that implicates the security and prosperity of the region, the South China Sea.

I'd like to briefly outline our perspective on this issue. The United States, like every nation, has a national interest in freedom of navigation, open access to Asia's maritime commons, and respect for international law in the South China Sea. We share these interests not only with ASEAN members or ASEAN Regional Forum participants, but with other maritime nations and the broader international community.

The United States supports a collaborative diplomatic process by all claimants for resolving the various territorial disputes without coercion. We oppose the use or threat of force by any claimant. While the United States does not take sides on the competing territorial disputes over land features in the South China Sea, we believe claimants should pursue their territorial claims and the company and rights to maritime space in accordance with the UN convention on the law of the sea. Consistent with customary international law, legitimate claims to maritime space in the South China Sea should be derived solely from legitimate claims to land features.

The U.S. supports the 2002 ASEANChina declaration on the conduct of parties in the South China Sea. We encourage the parties to reach agreement on a full code of conduct. The U.S. is prepared to facilitate initiatives and confidence building measures consistent with the declaration. Because it is in the interest of all claimants and the broader international community for unimpeded commerce to proceed under lawful conditions. Respect for the interests of the international community and responsible efforts to address these unresolved claims and help create the conditions for resolution of the disputes and a lowering of regional tensions. Let me add one more point with respect to the Law of the Sea Convention. It has strong bipartisan support in the United States, and one of our diplomatic priorities over the course of the next year is to secure its ratification in the Senate.

So this was a very full agenda with candid and productive discussions of critical issues. The theme of this year's ministerial was: Turning Vision into Action. And I think that's the perfect summary of what we're trying to do through these institutions. We have a shared vision and ambitious goals. But as always, the truest measure of our success will be at how well we turn our vision into action by making concrete consistent progress for our goals for a better future. And so it is now time for us to get to work and for me to take some of your questions.

Q. Thank you, Madam Secretary. You talked today a little bit about North Korea's—your concern about North Korea's nuclear program and today the North Korean, threaten, I quote, “physical response” to your planned exercises with South Korea. Are you worried about an escalation? And as you talk about North Korea's nuclear ambitions, you've raised concern today about Burma's nuclear ambitions and it's trying to seek a nuclear weapon. You have some very protracted negotiations with South Korea over civil nuclear programs. Are you concerned that all of this activity will spark an arms race in Asia where other states feel that they're going to have to develop a nuclear program to keep up? Thank you.

Secretary Clinton. Well, Elise, the threat of a nuclear arms race is one of the greatest dangers facing the world today. As I said in my participation during the ASEAN Regional Forum, we regret and condemn the actions of North Korea, the belligerence, the provocation, the sinking of the South Korean ship Cheonan, the destabilizing effect that that has in Northeast Asia, the proliferation of both conventional arms and nuclear technical knowhow. Because we do consider it to be a very serious problem, not only in Northeast Asia, but unfortunately, consequences throughout the rest of the world.

Yet at the same time, and I have said repeatedly and said again today, the door remains open for North Korea. If they are willing to commit themselves as they did five years ago in 2005 to the irreversible denuclearization that would make the entire Korean Peninsula, not just the South, but the North as well free of nuclear weapons, we are willing to meet with them. We're willing to negotiate, to move toward normal relations, economic assistance. We want to help the people of North Korea. We would love for them to have the same opportunities that the people of South Korea have been able to enjoy during the last 60 years.

So it is distressing when North Korea continues its threats and causes so much anxiety among its neighbors and the larger region, but we will demonstrate once again through our military exercises as we did when Bob Gates and I visited in Seoul together two days ago—that the United States stands in firm support of the defense of South Korea and we will continue to do so.

But we of course would welcome the day when there is peace on the Peninsula and when the leaders of North Korea are less concerned about making threats and more concerned about making opportunities for all of the North Korean men, women, and children. I would very much like to see that come to pass and, as I say, we stand ready to do so. But under these circumstances, it appears unlikely that we'll be able to make any progress in the near term.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. I join the American people in expressing our deep regret over the loss of life and devastation wrought by recent flooding in south and central China and by the mudslides in Gansu Province this past weekend. The United States is providing support for the ongoing relief efforts through assistance to the Red Cross Society of China. To those affected by this tragedy and to all the people of China, we send our heartfelt condolences.

Presidential Determination No. 2010-12

Secretary Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. Welcome everyone to the Benjamin Franklin room of the State Department's diplomatic floor. I am delighted to have this chance to kick off this exciting and important U.S.-Indonesian Joint Commission. And I am excited, too, that we have this opportunity between us for discussions on a number of important matters.

I have to confess, I raced upstairs and I don't have my opening papers which I was casually looking for; I hope no one noticed.

So let me begin with some comments expressing both President Obama's and my deep appreciation that we have this opportunity.

The foreign minister is someone with whom I have worked closely over the last 18 months, and it is wonderful to see him again. We will be together in the affairs up at UNGA. And I wanted to also welcome Ambassador Djalal and all of the distinguished members of the Indonesian delegation. We're happy to have you in Washington, Ambassador.

Many of you may know that the Ambassador went to high school in the Washington area, so welcome back. And it's great that we have someone who is so familiar with our country and even this region.

And I'm pleased that our new ambassador to Indonesia, Scot, who has long history and involvement, both in the region and a great love for Indonesia, has finally gotten through our lengthy nomination confirmation process and taken up the important post to Indonesia. He'll soon be presenting his credentials in Jakarta.

Last year, our two presidents agreed to elevate and broaden the relationship between our two countries, and to forge a comprehensive partnership that is really built on our shared values and interests. I think it is remarkable that the United States and Indonesia are the second and third largest democracies in the history of the world. That's quite a tribute. We may be older, but I think the recent history of Indonesia and the extraordinary commitment that you have made to a future built on democracy is inspiring to us as well.

We are both diverse societies with traditions of pluralism, tolerance, respect for the rights of women and minorities. We share an abiding interest in a more prosperous Southeast Asia and a more peaceful world. And we applaud the role that Indonesia is playing, not only as an advocate for democracy around the world, but on the environment, on climate change, on so many other critical issues.

So today, we inaugurate the Joint U.S.-Indonesian Commission. And later this afternoon, we will release a Plan of Action that will guide our cooperation on a wide range of issues.

Our six working groups began meeting yesterday. Three are new, and they will shepherd new initiatives in education, climate and the environment, and democracy.

I especially am pleased to highlight the work we do together to promote democracy because Indonesia's free and fair elections, press freedoms, and vibrant civil society are setting an example for so many other nations. Thirty-six countries, including the United States, attended the second Bali Democracy Forum this year. And I applaud your government, Minister, for the leadership that has been shown.

We've also worked together through the G-20 to stabilize the global economy and promote sustainable future growth that widens the circle of prosperity to more people in more places. It is important that we continue to raise the standard of living in our own countries, and to be sure that no one is left out in this globalized economy.

We work together to encourage progress and reform in Burma, to combat violent extremism, and so much more.

In the last year, we've re-launched the Peace Corps program in Indonesia. We have signed agreements for increased private investment, and cooperation in science and technology. We sent a joint expedition of two ships to explore the depths of the ocean off of Sulawesi, and our joint discoveries astounded the world.

So we're not only deepening and broadening our relationship, but what we're doing together has implications for everyone else. We're now collaborating—as you can tell from the number of people in this room—on so many areas. And we're reaching beyond governments to connect our NGOs, businesses, civil society groups, and multinational organizations.

Take, for example, the “Breathe Easy, Jakarta” initiative, which is a joint effort by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the City of Jakarta and a local Indonesian NGO to improve air quality in Jakarta. We learn a lot from this because tackling problems like this together increases each of our expertise and experience which we can put to work in our own countries.

We will work together to increase the number of Indonesian students studying in the United States and the number of American students studying in Indonesia. We are taking steps that will eventually double our bilateral trade, including a $1 billion dollar credit commitment from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, in partnership with 11 Indonesian banks.

So even though this is our inaugural meeting, we've already done a lot of work in the last 18 months. And we're going to be seeing each other often over the year to come. We very much look forward to Indonesia chairing ASEAN next year. We look forward to Indonesia chairing the East Asian Summit, which the United States is joining, and that President Obama will be there for the meeting in Jakarta.

So I want to thank our American and Indonesia colleagues, because Marty and I get to sit up here and make the statements, but you do the work, and we're well aware of that. So we want you to know how much we appreciate what you're doing on behalf of our own countries and on behalf of our bilateral efforts. So thank you very much.

Marty.

Foreign Minister Natalegawa. Excellency, Secretary Clinton, on behalf of all of us members of the Indonesian delegation, I'd like, first of all, express our most heartfelt appreciation for the warmth of welcome and the hospitality shown to all of us since our arrival here in Washington. And thank you, Secretary Clinton, for giving us just now what I thought was brief and yet comprehensive description of where we are now in Indonesia-United States relationship.

I think that “comprehensive partnership” describes well the state of our relationship just now. We have much in common and indeed through the work that we are embarking today, no doubt the depth and the width of our relationship will be even more enhanced.

Secretary, I'd like to emphasize one quality that you have been very kind to acknowledge just now in terms of our similarity; namely, our two nations as democracies. I recall, Secretary Clinton, a few months back we were both in Krakow in Poland. The time was for meeting of Community of Democracies. You were kind enough just now to acknowledge that we have—Indonesia has taken initiative with what we call the Bali Democracy Forum to promote democracy in the Asia Pacific region.

But this year, for the first time, we also participated in the Community of Democracies Forum in Poland at the minister level, and at that occasion I recall vividly how our two countries’ position on many issues relating to democratizations and human rights actually coincide. And I do sincerely believe if there is one area where our bilateral collaboration will have an impact beyond bilateral issues, it's certainly on the area of promotion of democracy and human rights. And I will be extremely happy to ensure that this aspect of bilateral relations continue to be at the forefront of our efforts.

At the same time, of course, Secretary Clinton, as is reflected in the diversity of the working groups that have been established under the JCM. It's clear that we have a broad range of issues and subject matters that we need to be working on, not least in the education area that you have just now recognized as well, Secretary Clinton. I am reminded by my newly appointed ambassador, Ambassador Djalal, of the fact that we can do far better in terms of ensuring and developing our collaboration in precisely in this area. And I am very keen to ensure that on education as well in other areas as well—trade and investment, energy, climate change and environment—we make steady progress and even urgent progress to ensure that we really deliver in making—in giving substance to our comprehensive partnership.

You are quite correct, Secretary, in saying that while we are inaugurating our JCM today, as a matter of fact, a lot of work has already gone into our collaboration and we will be in a happy situation today, hopefully, in hearing and being shared reports and information from the different working groups of where they are in our collaboration.

One final thought I wanted to emphasize, Secretary Clinton, is that, as I said before and as you have said as well, our collaboration extends beyond bilateral issues. Indonesia values highly the United States's renewed and enhanced engagement in our region. Your signing of the TAC recently, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, and the express intention of United States to join the East Asia Summit and all the other forms of United States engagement in our region is one that we welcome because we do honestly feel that such an engagement can be for the mutual benefits of all countries in the region as well.

Beyond that, in the United Nations, as we are now about to embark on the United Nations General Assembly session next week, I look forward very much to continue collaboration with United States on many issues of common interest on multilateral issues. We work very closely as well within the G-20 forum and many other multilateral forums.

All in all, therefore, Secretary, I think we have reason to be optimistic about where we are in our bilateral relations; but at the same time, we must set the higher standard that we really widen and deepen our comprehensive partnership, and no doubt today's activities will contribute greatly in making precisely that kind of outcome. Thank you very much for welcoming us once again, Secretary.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you so much, Marty. And I look forward, as I know you do, to hearing the accomplishments of the existing working groups. I'm very anxious to hear about the goals and the priority areas and the action plans intended to accomplish the objectives of each of the groups.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

Q. Thank you. U.S. Congress questioning about the well-being of Papuans, also about the joint cooperation and accountability of Indonesian military, especially on Kopassus. And next week, they going to have hearings on this case. So can you comment on that, and how you can make Congress to understand our conflict, or convince the Congress?

Thank you.

Secretary Clinton. Well, as was announced in July, the United States Government decided to resume limited security cooperation with Kopassus within the limits of American law. Our decision was based on the democratic changes that have taken place within Indonesia and the reforms that continue to take place within the TNI and Kopassus.

Obviously, our ability to deepen and expand on these initial steps depends upon the implementation of the reforms. We intend to begin with staff-level discussions to build a common understanding of how we each operate and train. Human rights and accountability are critical issues for the United States and will remain an important part of our interactions with TNI and Kopassus moving forward. And we think there's a great opportunity for progress and cooperation, and we look forward to beginning that.

Thank you.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. Good morning, everyone. And let me warmly welcome a friend and colleague back to the State Department in his new capacity as foreign minister. I was delighted to hear of the prime minister's appointment of Kevin and I look forward to continuing to work with him on the full range of important regional and global issues that both the United States and Australia are facing.

After all, our relationship with Australia is long and deep, and this is a continuation of the extraordinary partnership that we've had going back so many years between our countries. I'd also like to congratulate the prime minister at the outcome of the recent elections. These were exciting to look at from afar, and the orderly transition to a new government were powerful symbols of the democratic traditions that our two nations share. The common values that we are both committed to are the pillars of our historic alliance.

And I am delighted to announce that I will travel to Australia in November to participate in the Australia-U.S. ministerial. Secretary Gates and I will be meeting with our Australian counterparts, Ministers Rudd and Smith, for what will be the 25^th anniversary of the first such meeting. This will be my first trip as Secretary of State because I had to cancel my prior trip due to the earthquake in Haiti, and I am so looking forward to returning to a country that I admire so greatly.

This morning, we had the opportunity to discuss a range of issues. I thanked the foreign minister for Australia's continuing sacrifice and contributions in Afghanistan. We had a long discussion about the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Pakistan. The minister arrived here from Pakistan, where he surveyed the damage from the devastating floods. And he and I will both be attending a meeting about Pakistan at the beginning of the United Nations General Assembly week on Sunday night. What Australia has done in terms of its commitment to Pakistan is exemplary, and now we have to make sure that the money gets to the people and alleviates the suffering that they are experiencing and helps with the reconstruction.

There are so many matters that are of mutual interest, from developing new technologies for clean energy to addressing climate change, halting nuclear proliferation, countering the threat of terrorism, and so much else. So I am delighted to have renewed my partnership and friendship with Kevin.

Foreign Minister Rudd. Thanks very much, Hillary. Thank you very much for making me feel so welcome here at the State Department. I feel very much as if I am here among old friends. And we've known each other for a long time, and I look forward very much to working with you in my new capacity as foreign minister of Australia.

This alliance of ours between Australia and the United States goes back a long, long time. For us, it's our oldest continuing alliance and we've been with you in the field in so many operations over so many decades that this is a relationship we take deeply seriously. It is a core part of the Australian national interest.

Of course, in the discussions we've just had, we began discussing recent developments in Pakistan. As the Secretary of State noted, I was there yesterday in the southern Punjab and also met with Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and also with the Pakistan foreign minister, Minister Qureshi. The humanitarian situation in Pakistan is dire, and the Secretary of State and I will be attending a special donors conference on that in New York on Sunday.

My simple message to the rest of the international community is that this challenge has not gone away. The risk of waterborne diseases for the people of Pakistan is huge, and the possibility of epidemics still remains real. Therefore the challenge for us all is to remain focused on what's happening in that country because of our common concern for our fellow members of the human family.

Also, strategically, the United States and Australia have deep and abiding interests in Pakistan, and it is therefore doubly important that we provide our ongoing support for the people and government of that country.

Afghanistan—Australia remains strong and robust in support for the United States in its mission and those of the other countries participating in ISAF in Afghanistan. This is not an easy conflict. It is a hard conflict. But we are resolved to stay the course with our friends and allies in the United States, and we will maintain a very close dialogue with the Administration on the future shape of our engagement there.

Within our region, very much we look forward to the participation of the United States in the East Asian Summit. This is an important institution for our region, and I look forward very much to discussing further with the United States and other members of the summit, Australia's and the United States views on the future evolution of that institution. This is an important body in the future shape of our region in East Asia and the Pacific and, I believe, has a constructive and positive role to play for the future.

Finally, can I say how much we're delighted to be in a position to welcome both the Defense Secretary and the Secretary of State to Australia on the 8^th for the AUSMIN talks. This will be the 25^th such occasion on which our two countries have met in that forum, and we intend to make it a really good time. Not in the sense that you all think.

Secretary Clinton. Oh, I'm not so sure about that.

Foreign Minister Rudd. We're a very hospitable people. And we believe that you can do some serious work and have a good time at the same time. But there is so much for us—Defense Minister Smith, myself, the Secretary of State, and Bob Gates—to discuss about our common interests for the year ahead. Now, this is an important forum for us. I believe it's an important forum for the United States. And, Secretary, you will be made exceptionally welcome.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you. Thank you so much, Kevin.

Q. Thank you, Madam Secretary. We haven't had a chance to ask you about the release of Sarah Shourd yet. I'd like to ask you, first, if you've had a chance to call the sultan to thank him and what the United States plans to do to get the other two hikers out if Oman can play a role in that. Thank you.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you very much. Well, of course, we were very relieved that Sarah was released, very grateful for the help we received both from the Swiss, who are our representatives in Tehran, and from Oman, which played a very active role in reaching out and working with the Iranians. We are absolutely committed to the return of Josh and Shane. These two young men have been held without cause now for more than a year. It would be a very significant humanitarian gesture for the Iranians to release them as well.

So we continue reaching out to the many countries around the world who have supported us in our efforts on their behalf. I spoke with the parents of Josh and Shane yesterday and assured them that we remain as committed as ever to bringing their sons home. And I will be speaking with the sultan to express our appreciation at 11:00 a.m. this morning.

Q. Madam Secretary and Minister Rudd, a question to each of you. Madam Secretary, the whole region was struck by your commitment of the U.S. to the East Asia Summit. And I now ask you really, did that—did the Australian proposal for an Asia-Pacific community play into your thinking in making that decision, was China an important context, and do we see this as part of the wholesale renovation of the U.S. presence in Southeast Asia?

And Mr. Rudd, there's been some talk in Australia recently that America needs to see its primacy in Asia and that Australia should talk it into a power-sharing arrangement with China. How do you feel about that?

Secretary Clinton. Well, first, let me respond by saying that the United States has been, is, and will remain a transpacific power. We are very fortunately located in the world so that we are both an Atlantic and a Pacific power. And one of my goals upon becoming Secretary of State was to reassert America's role in the Pacific. So my very first trip was to our allies in Japan and Korea, to China, to Indonesia, where I committed that the United States would be more actively involved and that we would, for example, ratify participation in the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. So we are very committed to that.

I was influenced by Kevin Rudd's very strong argument on behalf of an Asian-Pacific community. I think he was absolutely on point. We have a very strong Euro-Atlantic community and it has stood the test of time. Because of the growth in Asia and the many issues that are now having to be confronted by the nations there, we need a different architecture. So in addition to deepening our commitment to ASEAN, we began the process of exploring the opportunity for the United States to join the East Asia Summit. Australia, when Kevin was prime minister, now as foreign minister, was very supportive of that effort.

So I will be attending the East Asia Summit to be held at the end of October in Hanoi, and then President Obama will attend the next East Asia Summit to be held in Jakarta next year. So we certainly believed it was in America's interests, but we were very encouraged by Australia's understanding of the dynamics in the region and encouragement for us to become more involved in helping to create the architecture of the 21^st century.

Foreign Minister Rudd. In terms of the question that you've asked me, the position of the Australian Government is that the strategic stability of East Asia and the Pacific remains anchored in the strategic presence of the United States of America. And furthermore, that is articulated, in part, through American alliance arrangements with Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and other security arrangements with other countries within the region. I think it's very important for those who discuss these questions to understand that so much of the economic growth that we have seen in East Asia and the Pacific in the last 30 years has come off the back of the strategic stability afforded to the region by the United States presence.

The fact that economic growth can occur, and at such rapid levels and rates that we have seen in these recent decades, is because the problems of peace and security have not had to confront us on a grand scale. And that has been guaranteed so much by the presence of the United States. So the Australian Government remains committed to this position. We believe it is in the wider region's interests that this continue to be the case. Of course, bodies such as the East Asian Summit, bodies such as APEC and other regional arrangements also play a key role in maintaining peace and stability and development in the region as well. From our point of view, the underpinnings lie still very much with the continued strategic presence of the United States. Thank you.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you all very much.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. On behalf of the people of the United States, I express our deep regret over the recent devastation and loss of life caused by Typhoon Fanapi in Southern Taiwan. We send our heartfelt condolences to those affected by this tragedy, and to all the people of Taiwan.

President Barack Obama delivered this statement in New York City, New York

President Obama. Let me officially welcome the opportunity to speak again with Prime Minister Kan. We had an opportunity for intensive dialogue when we met together at the G8 in Toronto. And once again, we have reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance not only to regional stability, not only to the security of both our countries, but we believe it's one of the cornerstones of peace and security throughout the world.

So we look forward to discussing further how we can strengthen this alliance in the 21st century, how our economic relationship can continue to improve for the prosperity of both our peoples, how we can address regional hotspots and tensions that may arise, but also how we can work as leaders together in dealing with international problems like climate change and nuclear nonproliferation.

Japan will also be hosting the APEC meeting this year, and I'm looking forward to traveling to Yokohama, and I'm looking very much to finding ways that we can work together to shape an architecture for prosperity and economic development in the Pacific region, where obviously both the United States and Japan have a deep and longstanding interest.

So, welcome. I hope you enjoy your stay in New York. And I look forward to my stay in Japan later this year.

President Barack Obama and Primier Wen Jiabao delivered these remarks at the United Nations in New York City, New York

President Obama. I want to welcome Premier Wen to the United States, and once again say what an outstanding partner he's been over the last 21 months since I've been in office.

Along with President Hu, Premier Wen I think has exhibited extraordinary openness and cooperation with us as we try to strengthen the relationship between our two countries, a relationship that is based on cooperation, on mutual interest, on mutual respect.

We have worked together on a whole range of issues. Obviously one of the most important issues has been to deal with the financial crisis and the recession that traveled around the world over the last several years. In the G20 our cooperation I think has been absolutely critical.

I should probably actually let somebody translate now.

Even as we've stabilized the world economy so that it is growing again and trade is growing again, we've also been working on a host of other issues that are of common interest.

For example, we've cooperated extensively on issues of nuclear nonproliferation, and we have also had very frank discussions and cooperated on issues of climate change.

Obviously we continue to have more work to do. On the economic front, although the world economy is now growing again, I think it's going to be very important for us to have frank discussions and continue to do more work cooperatively in order to achieve the type of balance and sustained economic growth that is so important and that we both signed up for in the context of the G20 framework.

And we also I think have to work cooperatively together in order to achieve regional peace and stability, because the world looks to the relationship between China and the United States as a critical ingredient on a whole range of security issues around the world.

Fortunately, the Strategic and Economic Dialogue that we've set up provides an excellent forum for us to work through a range of bilateral as well as multilateral issues.

I have great confidence in the interest of both President Hu and Premier Wen to continue on the path of cooperation and mutually beneficial policies. I look forward to seeing them at the G20 and APEC this fall. And I'm looking forward hopefully to the possibility of President Hu visiting us for an official state visit sometime in the near future.

So, Premier Wen, to you and your delegation, welcome. And let me once again express on behalf of the American people our desire to continue to build a growing friendship and strong relationship between the peoples of China and the United States.

Premier Wen. It's a great pleasure to meet President Obama and all our American friends here. I always believed that China-U.S. relationship has gone beyond the bilateral scope and has important influence internationally.

Our common interests far outweigh our differences. In spite of the disagreements of one kind or another between our two countries, I believe these differences can be well resolved through dialogue and cooperation. So the China-U.S. relationship will always forge ahead. I have confidence in this.

Just now you, Mr. President, referred to a host of areas where our two countries have cooperated, and I have come to the United States with such a cooperative spirit, too. Our two countries can have cooperation on a series of major international issues and regional hotspot issues. We have cooperation on tackling the financial crisis and meeting the climate challenge. China and the United States have also embraced an even closer and bigger relationship in the fields of public finance, financial industry and economic cooperation and trade.

I have come to this meeting with President Obama with a candid and constructive attitude. In the past couple of days here in my stay in New York I have been saying such a message far and wide—that is, I'm sure I'm going to have a wonderful discussion with the President.

And I think our meeting today will also achieve the result that we will foster favorable conditions for the visit to the United States by President Hu Jintao at an appropriate time next year.

I want to thank you, Mr. President, for taking time.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Benigno Aquino III delivered these statements in New York City, NY

Secretary Clinton. Thank you very much. It is a true pleasure for me to be here and I want to thank Daniel Yohannes and the entire MCC team—we have board members and staff members here—for their hard work every day, but particularly for this compact. It is an exciting moment in the relationship between the United States and the Philippines, a very long relationship that is now focused on the future. And it is a great privilege and honor to welcome President Aquino here. Of course, my colleague, the Foreign Secretary Romulo, thank you for being here with me. And thank you as well, Secretary Purisima, Ambassador Gaa, and all of our distinguished Filipino guests.

One of the joys of my job as chair of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Board is watching countries make gains because of their own hard work, but with the help of the United States. The compact we are signing today is only possible because for the past few years, we have seen evidence of a commitment to deliver for the people that we believe is represented in the promise of President Aquino's election. One of the projects supported by this compact, Kalahi, comes from a Tagalog phrase that means “linking arms against poverty.” I think it's a wonderful phrase because that's exactly what we're doing with this Millennium Challenge Corporation compact.

We want to assist the people of the Philippines to be able to do more for themselves, and we also want to see results from our investment. This was a negotiated agreement. This was not a decision just to give the Philippines some money—although I'm sure that's welcome to our friends—this was a negotiation. Because that's the whole idea behind the MCC; there are certain principles that we believe in, and the Philippines has made a commitment to these principles. We believe that you can unleash the human potential in a country like the Philippines by tearing down the barriers to economic growth and fighting corruption, which is like a cancer in the economy and society.

Millions of people in the Philippines have left their native land for a better opportunity. They love the Philippines. I know because I know many of them. They try to go home when they can afford to do it. They retire back to the Philippines. They want to be sure their children and grandchildren are raised in the Philippines. We hope that, Mr. President, the people of your country will be able to make a good living in their own country. And in order to do that, there must be a partnership that creates the conditions for economic opportunity.

I know how smart the Filipino people are. I know how hard they work. I'm not sure there's any group of people anywhere in the world that work harder than Filipinos. But let's be very honest here. Too many of them feel that they cannot progress in their own country. Too many of them feel that the elite in business and politics basically call the shots, and there's not much room for someone who's hardworking, but not connected. Too many of them believe that even if they get the best education they can, that there won't be an opportunity for them, and so they take that education and help build someone else's economy, very often here in the United States.

So this work that we are agreeing to today has the potential for assisting in the transformation that President Aquino has spoken of. The work has already begun to show results, including new and improved roads so farmers and fishermen can get to market faster and new businesses can take route; a more effective and efficient tax collection system so the government can raise the revenue it needs to serve its people better; and a program that will partner with some of the country's poorest communities to identify those development projects that will make the biggest impact. Because we know one size does not fit all; one community might need a school, another a health clinic, a third a water system. Each will be responsible for designing and driving its own project and for showing results.

Now, these are not American ideas, these are not MCC ideas; all of these ideas came from the Filipino people. They are designed to be self-sustaining and they build on efforts that have already begun. So we look forward to working with you and linking arms in the fight against poverty and on behalf of a better future for the people of the Philippines.

I look out at this audience and I see some dear friends who I have known for many years. When I was a senator from New York, I had the great privilege of working with many of you on behalf of a stronger relationship between the United States and the Philippines. It is my personal commitment that we will do everything we can to help you help yourselves. Because at the end of the day—I know that the spirit of entrepreneurship, the drive to succeed, the love of family and commitment to the next generation has been a hallmark of Filipinos forever. And I am absolutely convinced, Mr. President, that under your leadership, your country will show great strides forward.

It is now my great honor to introduce the president of the Philippines, President Aquino.

President Aquino. Your Honor, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell, MCC CEO Daniel Yohannes, MCC Board members, U.S. Government officials, members of the Philippine delegation, ladies and gentlemen, tonight on behalf of the Filipino people, I am bearing witness to formal approval of a $434 million grant to the Philippines to help our fight against poverty and corruption. This is no ordinary aid agreement.

In the presidential palace in Manila, there is a painting titled the Blood Compact. It portrays the first treaty of friendship between a Filipino ruler and the representative of a foreign power. It is only fitting that tonight we are bearing witness to a modern kind of compact—a solemn agreement covenanted by its two entities in a common objective. Our common objective, our shared aspiration, is for poverty to be banished and for development and prosperity to take its place.

The American people and their government have put forward the financial means for developing nations to accelerate their development. And yet, as Ben Franklin reminds us, God helps those who help themselves. All the aid, all the assistance in the world, would be meaningless if it ended up stolen or misspent. We share the same view—a key to unlocking the potential for growth and prosperity among nations is good and honest governance. If the American people through their government can commit resources to their friends, their friends, owe it to those pledging assistance and to themselves to be worthy stewards of what they will receive—for this reason, the Philippine compact proposal has undergone a rigorous development and multi-stakeholder consultative processes, from the time the Philippines was introduced into the Millennium Challenge Account Threshold Program with the MCC five years ago.

Up to that time, up to the time that the country was selected compact-eligible from 2008 to 2010, the Philippine compact went through four congressional notifications, countless MCC missions to the Philippines, and a legislative concern on the Philippines compact eligibility due to income reclassification from a low-income country to a lower-middle income country. This agreement was made possible by Filipinos and Americans working together to give us the tools to finish the job of fighting poverty.

I commend Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo together with Ambassador Willy Gaa, the Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, who first led the development of the Philippine Threshold Program in 2005 as then-secretary of trade and industry, and who is now responsible for the lead oversight in implementing the compact for the next five years under an accountable entity called the Millennium Challenge Account Philippines.

On the American side, the former members of the MCC Board and their staff—Lorne Craner, president of the International Republic Institute; Ken Hackett, president of Catholic Relief Services; former private sector member and managing director of Greycroft Limited Liability Corporation, Alan Patricof; and USAID Chief Operating Officer Alonzo Fulgham, who also served as Acting USAID Administrator—we appreciate your invaluable contributions.

We acknowledge as well the efforts of previous MCC CEOs—Ambassador John Danilovich, Rodney Bent, and Darius Mans for their exemplary efforts, as well as to the talented MCC Philippine transaction team led by Deputy Vice President Darius Teter and Country Director Troy Wray.

There are, of course, Madam Secretary Clinton, a true friend of the Philippines, and the members of the MCC Board—Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk, USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, MCC CEO Daniel Yohannes, and private sector member, former Senator William Frist. All of you have made possible this vote of confidence in the Philippines.

The MCC Board of Directors has praised this Compact for its creativity, innovation and relevance. Each of the three projects in the Compact has integrated several key components to combat corruption.

The Revenue Administration Reform Project or RARP directly targets improvements in governance or internal integrity within the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan—Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, or Kalahi-CIDSS, is designed to ensure that resources are provided to communities directly where they are needed most, and enforces transparency and accountability for local development investments.

The Secondary National Roads Project introduces a number of checks on construction standards and road contractors. And these are the Compact projects that, in the words of MCC executives, demonstrates my country's “high capacity” as an MCC partner.

As I conveyed during my teleconference with Mr. Yohannes last August 9, we will do our part to use this grant wisely. We will continue the Revenue Integrity Protection Service or lifestyle checks programs. We will ensure that the Policy Improvement Process Plan of Action will be implemented in parallel with the Compact projects to effectively address performance issues such as Control of Corruption. We are currently refining our indicators for the Performance Governance System, which was already introduced in six national government agencies, namely education, health, public works, transportation, internal revenue and the police. We will revive the Philippine Development Forum this year so that the Philippines will remain on track when it comes to our 2015 Millennium Development Goal targets, especially in meeting targets in primary education and health services delivery.

My visit to the United States has a key objective—to inform investors that the Philippines is indeed open for business—not the under-the-table kind, but the legitimate kind; not the kind of business that thrives in corrupt deal-making, but which thrives because of sensible and enforceable and fair contracts. I have come with my economic team to share with our American friends the possibilities for doing business in my country, either through the Build-Operate-and-Transfer schemes or Corporate Social Responsibility programs.

But first and foremost, I am here to assure you that the Philippines is committed to good housekeeping practices in its domestic and international dealings with investors. We are committed to not just a fair, but a square deal for all. We will not abandon the poor to the markets, just as we will not distort markets by means of red tape or crony impositions.

Tonight, we bear witness to a partnership for development, a partnership built on good faith. We have paid our dues, you have given your pledge. We are in this together, which is only fitting, since we are two nations bound by a shared commitment to the same ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Good evening and Mabuhay to all.

President Barack Obama and President Nguyen Minh Triet delivered these remarks in New York, NY

President Obama. Well, good afternoon, everyone. To all the leaders who are here as well as the delegations, welcome. I want to thank my fellow leaders for being here and for making this the first U.S.-ASEAN leaders meeting to take place in the United States. This reflects ASEAN's growing importance and the unprecedented cooperation between ASEAN and the United States.

As a Pacific nation, the United States has an enormous stake in the people and the future of Asia. The region is home to some of our largest trading partners and buys many of our exports, supporting millions of American jobs. We need partnerships with Asian nations to meet the challenges of growing our economy, preventing proliferation and addressing climate change.

As President, I've, therefore, made it clear that the United States intends to play a leadership role in Asia. So we've strengthened old alliances; we've deepened new partnerships, as we are doing with China; and we've reengaged with regional organizations, including ASEAN.

Last year in Singapore, I was proud to become the first American President to meet with all 10 ASEAN leaders. Today, I'm pleased to host our second meeting as we elevate our partnership to meet the shared challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

We'll focus on creating sustainable economic growth. Our trade with ASEAN countries is growing. In fact, America exports—American exports to ASEAN countries are growing twice as fast as they are to other regions, so Southeast Asia will be important to reaching my goal of doubling American exports.

Through APEC and initiatives like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, we're pursuing trade relationships that benefit all our countries. And we will continue to support ASEAN's goal of creating a more effective and integrated community by 2015, which would advance regional peace and stability.

We'll also focus on deepening our political and security cooperation. ASEAN countries are increasingly playing a leadership role in the region, and ASEAN itself has the potential to be a very positive force in global affairs. That is why the United States has accepted ASEAN's invitation to join the East Asia summit, which will help us meet regional and global challenges together. And I look forward to attending the East Asia Summit in Jakarta next year.

So, again, I want to thank my fellow leaders for being here. And I look forward to sustaining our momentum on my visits in November to Indonesia, Korea and Japan, where we'll work together at the APEC summit to ensure strong, sustainable and balanced economic growth.

With that, I'd invite President Triet of Vietnam, the ASEAN chair this past year, to offer a few words as well. And during that time, I suspect that lunch will be served.

President Triet. Your Excellency, President Obama; Excellencies, ASEAN leaders. On behalf of my fellow colleagues from ASEAN countries, I want to thank Your Excellency, President Obama, for inviting us to the second ASEAN-U.S. leaders meeting in New York. And thank you so much for giving us the wonderful hospitality.

Over the years, and especially recently, the relations between ASEAN and the U.S. have been growing very well. And I remember the first meeting in Singapore in November 2009, and we come up with a lot of important outcomes to create favorable conditions for the growing of the relations between ASEAN and the U.S. And this time, I believe this a great opportunity for us to share the views and exchange our views on how to enhance the dialogue partnership between ASEAN and the U.S. in the coming years.

Your Excellencies, the relations between ASEAN and U.S. plays a very important role to the security, peace, and development in the region. Vietnam and ASEAN always support the deepening of the relations between ASEAN and the U.S., bilaterally and multilaterally. And we want to take our relations to the next level to greater comprehensiveness and more sustenance for the peace, stability and development of our region.

I look forward to very fruitful and productive discussions that we are going to have today in order to bring about great benefits and to lay the foundation for the growing of the relations and cooperation between our two sides. Thank you so much.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, D.C.