Transcript of Pelosi Remarks at ASEAN Working Lunch

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi hosted Members of Congress, leadership from nine member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Secretary-General of ASEAN for a working lunch. Below are the Speaker's remarks:

Speaker Pelosi. Good afternoon, everyone. As Speaker, it is my privilege to welcome, to the United States Capitol, leaders and the Secretary General of ASEAN, the Association of Southwest – Southeast Asian Nations. Thank you for traveling here to my nation's capital, as we celebrate 45 years of partnership and deepen our relationship.

Let us also salute President Joe Biden for his strong leadership in organizing this timely U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit. This serves as another manifestation of America's commitment to be a strong, reliable partner in Southeast Asia – and to the Administration's strategy, designed to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific.

I personally am excited about this because when I was much younger, new to San Francisco, one of the first excitements there was to welcome members of ASEAN when you were brand new. Well, you may not have even been born, but when you were – ASEAN was brand new to San Francisco. So we feel a close link. In fact, I thought we were always a part of ASEAN – San Francisco, California.

And thank you to the bipartisan, bicameral group of Members who are here, from the House leaders, Kevin McCarthy, the leader – the Republican Leader of the House; Leader Kevin – Steny Hoyer, the Democratic Leader; Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory Meeks; Ranking Member Mike McCaul; and Veterans Affairs Chair, Mark Takano. Again, from the House, Congresswoman Ann Wagner, a Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. And from the Senate, Foreign Affairs Chairman Bob Menendez, Bob Menendez; Ranking Member Jim [Risch] – is he here – we are expecting him; and Member of the Armed Services Committee, Senator Tammy Duckworth. We also have from the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mike McCaul – Michael McCaul, rank – the ranking Republican on that Committee.

So we are very – everybody wanted to be to this, to meet you. We have leadership on so many issues that relate to Southeast Asia. So I look forward to our discussion, whenever I need a delegation – a Congressional delegation, and I've been to see many of you in your countries, we always focus on three areas: security, economy and governance. I'll just want to briefly go into those.

First, an Indo-Pacific partnership is crucial to our security and stability. Not only in the region, but for the world. We see your – the importance of all of this.

Let me be clear: Russia's unprovoked, illegal invasion of Ukraine poses a direct threat to every nation. And if left unchecked, we leave the door open to additional aggression, including maritime issues and other issues in the South China Sea. In order to uphold our shared commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity, we must deliver robust, collective response. That's what we believe. This includes supporting the people of Ukraine and condemning Russia for its unprovoked and senseless brutality, which is essential to our building security.

Secondly, in terms of the economy, we must continue to deepen our trade relationships so that we advance prosperity for all of our people. The partnership between ASEAN and America will be essential to unleashing the full economic potential of our nations. And our economies will offer an important counterweight to balance other economic influences that may not be so wholesome in the region.

At the same time it is essential that we work together to promote equitable, sustainable, recovery from a pandemic, to advance a clean energy future, to combat combat the climate crisis, to build stable partnerships with strong supply chains, and to ensure the dignity and rights of workers. Doing so will enhance our shared economic growth.

Third, on a bipartisan and bicameral basis, the Congress remains committed to democratic values. Our purpose in this meeting is to strengthen our friendship. We look forward to hearing from you. And part of our friendship – our friendship is candor in our relationships. It's critical that our nations have a candid, values-based discussion on issues of concern: very much how countries treat freedom of religion, speech, press and association; the rule of law which respects the rights of women and girls.

As part of Americans' value-based concerns, I and others are disturbed by the threats to the rights and lives of LGBTQ communities around the world. Let me be clear: when we hear about torture of LGBTQ people, that is unacceptable to the American people – and continues to be an obstacle to the full respect in our relationship.

We must continue working together to to address these challenges. It is my hope that we can further discuss all of these important topics during this working lunch here. Additionally, the United States Congress will seek Observer Status to ASEAN – to ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly to finally formalize the connectivity between the Congress and the ASEAN partners. In doing so, we will further strengthen the vital ties between our nations.

Thank you again for being here today. We're honored by your presence. We look forward to hearing from you. It's now my privilege to introduce the President of the Republic of Indonesia: Joko Widodo. Mr. President.