Biden names ambassador to SE Asia bloc, stressing US commitment
- Capitol Times
- May 14, 2022
- 1 min read
As a way to underscore his administration's commitment to the Pacific region, Joe Biden nominated one of his top national security aides as ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at a news conference on Friday.
After discussions with leaders of ASEAN, who gathered in Washington for a two-day "special summit," Biden announced Yohannes Abraham would serve as the U.S. representative to the 10-country group.
Biden’s efforts to put greater emphasis on the Pacific region have been overtaken in recent months by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Abraham’s nomination, which requires Senate confirmation, came after the White House announced on Thursday that the United States would commit more than $150 million for new projects to bolster Southeast Asia’s climate, maritime and public health infrastructure.
14 May 2022
