US hails SE Asia markets, democracy

MANILA (AFP) - The United States on Wednesday lauded Southeast Asia for progress on democracy and free markets, stressing its commitment to the region despite Condoleezza Rice's absence at a key security summit.

Smoothing over any ruffled feathers, US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte held a flurry of meetings with officials and said Washington placed great importance on the region.

"It's been an excellent basis, an excellent platform for working together," said Negroponte, the number two US diplomat after Rice, after talks with ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"It's been an opportunity to emphasize the great importance that the United States attaches to our relationships within ASEAN," he said.