The US and Thailand sign agreement to strengthen cooperation.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. Photo: Reuters

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai pledged to further their partnership across areas including climate change, law enforcement, and security cooperation. Blinken's visit to Thailand came a day after he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Indonesia, on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting.

Mr. Blinken affirmed that Thailand is an important ally “in a region shaping the trajectory of the century.” Meanwhile, the Thai Foreign Minister reiterated the strong relationship as the two countries prepare to mark 190 years of cooperation next year. Mr. Don Pramudwinai stated, “We have also laid the foundation for the next 190 years.”

Mr. Blinken is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. Earlier, on July 5th, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with the Thai Prime Minister, and China has been actively involved in diplomatic activities across Asia in recent weeks.

Last year, the US Secretary of State was forced to postpone a visit to Thailand, America's oldest ally in Asia, after halting his regional tour following the discovery of a Covid-19 case among his accompanying press corps.

The Biden administration has been seeking to strengthen ties with Asia, following a period of neglect under his predecessor, Donald Trump. Meanwhile, China has expanded its influence in the region, promoting investment and trade integration. This is a region widely seen as witnessing strategic competition and a struggle for influence among major powers.

Following his visit to Thailand, Blinken will travel to Tokyo to offer condolences to the Japanese people following the assassination of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, the U.S. State Department said.