Asia Pacific to shape future of 21st century: US

WASHINGTON: The US today underlined that the Asia-Pacific region is going to shape the future of the 21st century, as President Barack Obama prepared to embark on key tour to the region during which he is scheduled to meet top world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"We see this as a region that is really going to shape the future of the 21st century," said Ben Rhodes, the Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications.

During an off camera briefing at the White House, he told reporters that Obama has engaged on a personal level to restore US alliances in this part of the world, to raise its standing, and to make sure that America remains the preeminent economic and security power in the Asia-Pacific.

Later this week, Obama will leave on a nearly 10-day tour to the region during which he is scheduled to meet number of world leaders including those from India, China, Russia, Australia, Indonesia and Japan.

Obama would begin his trip from Hawaii where he would be hosting the APEC Summit; hold talks with leaders of Russia, Japan and China.

Obama would then travel to Australia and then finally to Indonesia where he would attend the ASEAN summit.

Obama would meet Indian Prime Minister Singh in Bali on November 18 on the sidelines of the East Asia summit.

Meeting for the first time in about an year, the two leaders are expected to review the progress of the bi-lateral ties since Obama's visit to India last November; besides discussing a wide range of issues including Afghanistan, economic ties and security relationship.

Besides the Indian Prime Minister, Obama would also be meeting leaders of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines.