U.S., ASEAN Unveil Official Logo Ahead of 50th Anniversary of Relations

JAKARTA, Indonesia — The United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) unveiled the official logo commemorating the 50th anniversary of U.S.–ASEAN Relations on November 4, 2026 at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.

The unveiling ceremony held ahead of the partnership's 50th anniversary on September 8, 2027, was attended by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Country Coordinator for ASEAN-US relations Ambassador Noy Choumneanh and U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN Kevin Kim. Permanent Representatives of the ASEAN Member-States were also present. Aside from the unveiling of the logo, the event also showed the US-ASEAN 50th Anniversary video and featured a ceremonial cake-cutting.

In his remarks, Kao emphasized the importance of building on five decades of cooperation while responding to the changing needs of the region.

“As we mark five decades of Dialogue Relations and embark on our commemorative activities, let us build on past achievements and renew our commitment to a partnership that responds to our peoples’ aspirations and our region’s evolving needs,” Kao said.

He expressed hope that the partnership would continue advancing peace, security, stability and prosperity, creating greater opportunities for the combined population of more than one billion people in ASEAN and the United States.

Kim, meanwhile, described the anniversary logo as a representation of the enduring relationship between the two sides.

“The design pairs symbols of the United States with a tribute to ASEAN centrality — with the two elements flowing into one another,” he said. He added that the logo symbolizes the trust, respect and strong people-to-people and institutional ties that unite ASEAN and the United States.

He emphasized Washington's long-term commitment to Southeast Asia, “Many generations. That is how the United States measures this relationship. We measure it in people and partnerships that last, not in news cycles,” he said. “In that spirit, the United States will stand with ASEAN for the next 50 years and beyond.”

U.S. Reaffirms Support for ASEAN Sovereignty

Speaking to reporters following the ceremony, Kim was asked how the United States could help ensure regional security amid shifting geopolitical concerns involving China.

“Fundamentally, the United States supports advancing ASEAN norms and values. That means respect for sovereignty. That means respect for basic principles like freedom of navigation,” Kim said. “That’s what ASEAN stands for and the United States will continue to support ASEAN on those types of issues moving forward.”

Asked about the possible impact of the U.S. midterm election results on Washington's engagement with Southeast Asia, Kim maintained that American support for ASEAN would remain strong.

“The United States supports ASEAN 100%. That’s what President Trump stated last year in Kuala Lumpur,” he said. “Our strategic interest, our people-to-people ties in Southeast Asia is so deep, foundational that we’re always gonna be working in Southeast Asia, no matter what.”

The ceremony marked the beginning of a yearlong commemorative activities leading to the 50th anniversary of U.S.–ASEAN Dialogue Relations in 2027.