On 19 October 2021, Mr. Derek Chollet, Counselor of the U.S. Department of State, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, during his visit to Thailand during 18 – 19 October 2021. The U.S.’ engagement with Thailand followed the recent visit to the U.S. by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs during 20 - 29 September 2021.

    After the courtesy call with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Delegation led by Counselor Chollet held a bilateral meeting with the senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides discussed ways to reinvigorate bilateral engagement and further enhance cooperation on issues of shared priorities of both governments, including cooperation on public health and COVID-19 responses, as well as climate change. They exchanged views on current regional developments as well as bilateral and ASEAN cooperation. Both sides underscored the importance of ASEAN centrality and reaffirmed theirs support for the upcoming ASEAN Summit and Related Summits with dialogue partners.

    On this occasion, both sides also exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar, Thailand’s role as well as ASEAN’s efforts. They explored possibilities and ways to enhance cooperation between Thailand and the United States in providing humanitarian assistance, including on public health and development of water supply and sanitation system, to the Myanmar people along the Thailand-Myanmar border, as prioritized by both governments and in urgent need.