Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara today in Washington, D.C.  Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Thailand alliance, and the two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation across a range of bilateral and global issues.

Secretary Blinken emphasized U.S. commitment to increasing collaboration on trade and investment, broadening our security cooperation as we promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, and deepening people-to-people ties, including through new academic partnerships and enhanced existing institutional relationships. He affirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to ASEAN centrality and implementation of the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.  The two sides spoke about the importance of democracy, the protection of human rights, and the need to ensure that all citizens can freely participate in the political process.

Secretary Blinken also discussed regional and global issues, including efforts with Thailand and ASEAN to address the worsening crisis in Burma.  They emphasized the urgent need to expand humanitarian assistance to displaced people in Burma and in the region and urged the regime to pursue inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders, release all those unjustly detained, end the violence, and put Burma back on a path to democratic civilian governance.  Secretary Blinken stressed U.S. commitment to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. Lastly, Secretary Blinken welcomed the increase in high-level engagements between the United States and Thailand, pointing to the U.S.-Thailand Strategic and Defense Dialogue on February 28-29 as another example through which U.S. and Thai officials will build upon 190 years of diplomatic relations to further strengthen our alliance and partnership.