US President Barack Obama said he is confident that whoever takes over from him after he leaves office in January next year will continue his legacy of the pivot towards Asia.
"I think Americans generally understand that Asia is going to be increasingly important in the world economy, and in dealing with transnational issues like climate change," he said.
"I am confident that the next administration will continue many of the policies we put forward, partly because we've also institutionalised them," he added. "Hopefully we will continue to see the bonds between the US and Asean nations continue to grow."