On 13 June 2012, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul met with Hillary Clinton, United States (U.S.) Secretary of State, members of the U.S. Senate, leading American businessmen, and Team Thailand.
During discussions with Mrs. Clinton, the counterparts exchanged views on ways to strengthen the partnership between Thailand and the United States in the areas of security, commerce, investment, and people-to-people relations. Both sides also discussed regional developments, covering issues such as terrorism, transnational crime, the situation in Myanmar and the South China Sea. The Foreign Minister also reaffirmed Thailand’s wishes to invite the President of the U.S. on an official visit to Thailand during the timeframe prior to or after the East Asia Summit, which is scheduled to take place in November in Phnom Penh. Foreign Minister Surapong and Secretary of State Clinton also discussed the possibility that the Thai Prime Minister might pay an official visit to the U.S. in July or August of 2012.
On the situation in Myanmar, the Foreign Minister detailed Thailand’s role in supporting development within the Southeast Asian state, and asked for the U.S.’s consideration in lifting its sanctions on Myanmar. In addition, he proposed the possibility of trilateral cooperation between Thailand, the U.S., and Myanmar to provide developmental assistance to Myanmar.
At the U.S. Senate, the Foreign Minister met with Democrat Senator Jim Webb and Republican Senator James Inhofe, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, respectively. During discussions with the senators, Foreign Minister Surapong exchanged views on regional development. He further sought the senators’ support regarding Thailand’s ranking in the Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report.
During the Foreign Minister’s discussions with members of the U.S. — ASEAN Business Council (USABC) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC), views were exchanged on regional developments, means to increase US companies’ investment in Thailand, and the possibility of Thailand becoming a member of the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership.
In the evening, the Foreign Minister met with Team Thailand members posted to the U.S., comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry, the Office of Civil Service Commission, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. During the event, the Foreign Minister was briefed on important projects and Team Thailand’s current strategy. He also provided instructions to Team Thailand on integrating Thailand’s operations in the U.S. to promote and protect Thailand’s interests abroad, particularly in the areas of economics, trade, and investment.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th