This is the first opportunity for the United States in the summit and I think this is going to be a very positive outcome and opportunity for the United States and our partners to be part of the East Asia forum.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing with Ben Rhodes and Admiral Robert Willard

Alongside the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement and U.S. participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and the East Asia Summit, it will serve as a powerful statement of American engagement and staying power in East Asia.

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The dichotomy has marked recent meetings, from the World Bank-International Monetary Fund sessions in Washington to the ASEAN economic ministers discussions in Manila and the World Economic Forum East Asia summit, which convened leading figures in business, government and academe in Singapore.

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The East Asia Summit can be that forum.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

Next week government and private-sector players will gather for the East Asia meetings of the World Economic Forum, hosted by Myanmar in what is seen as a reward for its economic and political changes.

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And I especially want to thank our Thai friends for being so supportive of our role in the East Asia Summit, which should be the premier forum for discussing regional challenges, including maritime security.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House