The US is reportedly seeking to support members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in diversifying their energy sources, by releasing strategic energy reserves and boosting US gas sales, media outlets said on Wednesday, citing US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
The US intends to increase deliveries of liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas to ASEAN, Reuters reported, as the countries face supply shortfalls in the midst of the Middle East crisis.
The Philippines has received crude oil and LPG from the US, according to Landau. The Philippine Department of Energy earlier said that the country had secured 21,000 metric tons of LPG from Texas, through Trafigura.
Landau made the remarks during the ASEAN Future forum in Vietnam. He reportedly emphasized that the US aims to deepen regional collaboration while enhancing energy security.
ASEAN can cooperate with an energy powerhouse like the US, Vietnam's national web platform cited Landau as saying.
has reached out to the US Department of State to seek further information on possible energy cooperation.
Landau also said that the US will support the ASEAN Power Grid initiative to enhance access to reliable and affordable energy, Reuters reported.
The initiative promotes cross-border power trading through electricity network interconnections, according to the ASEAN Center for Energy website.
Landau also reportedly put forward the idea of potential cooperation on critical minerals, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence.