US and Thailand sign agreement to enhance cooperation
(Baonghean.vn) - On July 10, the US and Thailand signed agreements to strengthen the already strong relationship between the two countries.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. Photo: Reuters |
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai have pledged to boost their partnership in areas including climate change, law enforcement and security cooperation. Blinken's visit to Thailand comes a day after he met 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 that is shaping the trajectory of the century.” Meanwhile, the Thai foreign minister continued to affirm the strong relationship, as the two countries prepare to mark 190 years of cooperation next year. “We have also laid the foundation for the next 190 years,” Mr. Don Pramudwinai said.
Mr. Blinken is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. Earlier on July 5, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with the Prime Minister of Thailand, and has been actively involved in diplomatic activities across Asia in recent weeks.
The US Secretary of State was forced to postpone a visit to Thailand, America's oldest ally in Asia, last year after halting his regional tour due to a Covid-19 case among the press traveling with him.
The Biden administration has been seeking to strengthen ties with Asia, after a period of neglect under his predecessor, Donald Trump. Meanwhile, China has expanded its influence in the region, while promoting investment and trade integration, a region that is said to be witnessing strategic competition and a struggle for influence among major powers.
After his visit to Thailand, Mr. Blinken will travel to Tokyo to offer condolences to the Japanese people, following the killing of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, the US State Department said.
