NEW YORK: Southeast Asia has benefitted much through strategic partnerships formulated in efforts made by outgoing US President Barack Obama during his tenure in office.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said Obama will be deeply missed but his legacy under the US Agency for International Development will continue to evolve.

Anifah said this in the Informal Asean-US Ministerial Meeting he co-chaired with US Secretary of State John Kerry here.

In his speech before the start of the meeting, Anifah said the work done by Obama and Kerry has rewarded Asean or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with excellent ties that is fully appreciated by the 10 member states.

“Both the leaders have been instrumental in engaging us and elevated our relationship into a strategic partnership,” he said and pointed out there is now burgeoning cooperation along with initiatives through USAID on programmes on combating wildlife trafficking, world for food and clean power.

“The US have also played its role in maintaining peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region as well as constructive roles in regional growth through Asean led mechanisms.

“Cooperation on international issues, traditional and non traditional challenges have continued to cover a myriad of issues such as terrorism, cyber security, migrants, climate change and maritime matters just to name a few.”

Despite the possibility of the meeting being the last for Kerry under the Obama administration, Anifah said Asean is looking forward to continue working with the US through strategic partnerships on mutual interests.

-NST