On 16 July 2010, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the Third Thai-U.S. Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. William J. Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs of the United States Department of State, and attended by senior officials from both sides.
The Dialogue was held in a frank and open manner to discuss various issues of mutual interest aimed at enhancing and deepening the bilateral relations between Thailand and the United States.
Both sides stressed on the importance of 177 years of friendship between the two countries. The Thai side reaffirmed the determination to move forward as a democratic society, while the U.S. side appreciated the Thai Government’s efforts and expressed confidence that Thailand will be able to resolve the current political situation peacefully and through democratic means.
Both sides exchanged view on bilateral and regional issues. On bilateral issues, both sides explored how to move the partnership forward in practical terms, especially in capacity building, human resources development and institution building. The Thai side also appreciated the U.S. sharing practices in civic participation and good governance. The two sides also agreed to promote scientific and technological cooperation, moving from the classical development partnership to a creative partnership, making use of academic institutions, think tanks, and private sector to enhance innovation, in line with the Thai Government’s Creative Economy Policy.
On regional and global issues, discussion was made on the situation in the Southeast Asian and East Asian regions, as well as on ASEAN and the issue within the framework of the United Nations. Peacekeeping and disaster relief operation were among the possible areas of further cooperation.
This Strategic Dialogue was the third dialogue between Thailand and the United States. The last dialogue was held in Washington, D.C. in 2008.
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