Annex 1 to NADR Supprt NOFO.pdf

Annex 1: Multilateral Forums in the Asia-Pacific Region

ASEAN

As Southeast Asia connects both sides of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, we see a strong and integrated ASEAN as an important component in bolstering the security of the entire Asia-

Pacific. Following the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2009, the opening of the U.S. Mission to ASEAN in 2010, and the appointment of the first resident U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN, the Administration has elevated our relationship with ASEAN to a new level. We are working with ASEAN to build a strong ASEAN Secretariat capable of addressing pressing security and economic policy issues. On counterterrorism, we partner with the ASEAN Senior

Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime to strengthen ASEAN member states’ coordination and cooperation with regard to counterterrorism finance, aviation and border security, and information sharing.

ARF

The ARF is a 27-member regional multilateral forum dedicated to addressing security challenges. U.S. participation in the ARF supports and enhances the U.S. Government’s strategic rebalance, as it contributes to deepening security ties and alliances; strengthening partnerships with emerging powers; and shaping an effective regional architecture. The long-term goal of ARF programs is to develop regional cooperation from confidence building measures toward preventative diplomacy and ultimately to establish concrete conflict management mechanisms. We have partnered with ARF on workshops and exercises related to counterterrorism response and long term support to victims of terrorism. For future ARF engagement, we plan to host a three-workshop series related to aviation security and foreign terrorist fighters (Annex 1).

EAS

The EAS is a forum held annually by leaders of 18 countries. The objective of U.S. participation is to solidify the EAS’ role as the region’s premier leaders-led forum for discussion of pressing challenges, including energy, maritime security, non-proliferation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. As a leadership forum, EAS does not typically conduct workshops or trainings. However, we have at times hosted forums with delegations from EAS member states – including government agencies, NGOs, and private industries – to share information on political and security topics. Through such dialogues, the United States aims to promote region-wide standards and cooperation on areas of shared interest.

APEC

APEC’s primary goal is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-

Pacific region by championing free and open trade and investment, promoting and accelerating regional economic integration, encouraging economic and technical cooperation, enhancing human security, and facilitating a favorable and sustainable business environment. As a member of APEC, the United States advances policy objectives and implements technical assistance across all of these areas, with emphasis in 2014 on supply chain connectivity, regulatory coherence and business facilitation, energy efficiency, and women’s economic empowerment, as well as strengthening the Secretariat’s administrative and research capabilities.