On 23 April 2009, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with his counterpart, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, at the US State Department. The discussion focused on the political situation in Thailand, how to strengthen bilateral cooperation, as well as regional issues. The United States supports the Thai Government’s effort to solve the situation through a democratic framework and condemns the violence of the protest movement.
Secretary Clinton reaffirmed the importance of Thailand as a long-time democratic ally and is committed to enhancing the relations between the two countries. The two sides also agreed to set up a Political Dialogue, encompassing all aspects of cooperation. So far, Thailand and the United States have conducted two meetings of a Strategic Dialogue at the level of Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Assistant Secretary of State. This new political dialogue will therefore upgrade the level of the dialogue and will significantly enhance the Thai-US partnership.
Secretary Clinton also reaffirmed her intention to attend the PMC/ARF to be held in Thailand in July this year as well as her wish to conduct bilateral discussion with the Thai side during the visit.
On the same day, Foreign Minister Kasit met Senator Jim Webb, Senator Kit Bond, and Representative Eni Faleomavaega. All of whom expressed understanding on the political situation in Thailand.
In the evening, Foreign Minister Kasit gave a talk at Georgetown University on the topic of “Thailand- US Partnership: Reengaging the US in Southeast Asia.” As an alumni of Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, his talk was warmly welcome by the Faculty and the student body of Georgetown University, members of the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of US Government agencies and the Congress as well as friends of Thailand.
On 24 April 2009, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya met with General James Jones, National Security Advisor, and US Trade Representative Ron Kirk. Then together with Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, Foreign Minister Kasit met in a business roundtable with members of the US-ASEAN Business Council and the members of the Asia Society in Washington and then together gave a talk at the luncheon co-hosted by USABC and the Asia Society at the Metropolitan Club. The business people were briefed in detail on the political and economic situation in Thailand and the direction the Thai Government was taking. Both Minister Korn and Minister Kasit emphasized the strong fundamentals of the Thai economy and reassured the investors of the Government’s emphasis on the rule of law, good governance, transparency and the Government’s strong determination to bring about a sustainable political reform.
On the same day, Foreign Minister Kasit met with the heads and representatives of the offices under the Team Thailand, including Consul-General from New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Foreign Minister Kasit gave a briefing on the situation in Thailand and the Government’s policies. He stressed the importance of all Thai offices in the United States working together as a team and coordinating the work and budget plans. The meeting discussed strategies to enhance Thai-US relations and Thai presence in the United States, including strengthening the role of the Thai communities across the United States.
In the evening, Foreign Minister together with Finance Minister met close to 200 members of the Thai community at the Royal Thai Embassy to brief them about the situation in Thailand and to hear their views and concerns.
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