Clinton: US to enhance commitment to Asia-Pacific

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has pledged a stronger US commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.

Clinton was speaking in Honolulu on Thursday, ahead of the ministerial talks of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Citing the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, Clinton said US diplomacy is at a pivotal point.

She said it is becoming increasingly clear that the world's strategic and economic center of gravity will be the Asia-Pacific. She said the US cannot afford to sit on the sidelines and leave it to others to determine its future.

She vowed that the US will strengthen its security ties with Japan and South Korea and expand trade and investment and promote democracy in the region.

Touching on the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade talks, Clinton called on the parties involved to pursue not just more growth but better growth.
She described the envisioned pact as a new type of deal that is not merely a matter of economics but also an agreement of values.

Friday, November 11, 2011 13:03 +0900 (JST)