Thailand will join ASEAN Member States in the 33^rd ASEAN-US Dialogue on  5 August 2020, via video conference. The Meeting will discuss ASEAN-US cooperation in various areas, such as digital connectivity, enhancing the role of private sector in the economic recovery, human capital development, regional and international issues, as well as response to COVID-19 pandemic and post-COVID recovery.

H.E. Mr. Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, is scheduled to attend the 33^rd ASEAN-US Dialogue via video conference on Wednesday, 5 August 2020. H.E. Mr. Thongphane Savanphet, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, in his capacity as the current Country Coordinator for ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations (2018-2021), will co-chair the meeting with H.E. Mr. David Stilwell, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the United States of America.

The ASEAN-US Dialogue is an annual meeting convened to discuss and exchange views on key issues under the ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations. On this occasion, ASEAN and the United States will discuss issues pertaining to the regional as well as global situation, and ASEAN–US cooperation in its various dimensions, in an effort to respond to the various challenges resulting from geopolitical shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic. The topics for discussion will range from public health, promoting trade and investment, connectivity in all dimensions particularly digital connectivity, enhancing the role of the private sector in the economic recovery period and human capital development.

In addition, ASEAN and the US are currently discussing the new ASEAN-US Plan of Action (2021-2025), which will guide the direction of cooperation for the next five years. The new Plan of Action will be submitted to the ASEAN-US Ministerial Meeting to consider for adoption in September 2020.

This Meeting provides a timely opportunity to reaffirm the close cooperation that exists between ASEAN and the United States as an important Strategic Partner in promoting regional stability, security and prosperity, particularly during this COVID-19 pandemic. Such cooperation is also critical at this time in accelerating sustainable recovery in a prompt and sustainable manner.