Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel called on H.E. General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on 26 January 2015 to discuss Thailand-U.S. bilateral relations as well as their collaboration in the region.

In the first high-level visit from the U.S. this year, Assistant Secretary Russel reiterated the importance of Thailand as the oldest treaty ally of the U.S. in Asia. With more than 180 years, the Thai-U.S. relations cover comprehensive cooperation at all levels – bilaterally, regionally and globally. The U.S. also recognizes Thailand’s constructive role in Southeast Asia and expressed interest to expand more cooperation with Thailand in all fronts, especially on economic collaboration.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to address global challenges such as transnational crime, narcotics, terrorism, human trafficking and the spread of pandemics like the Ebola virus.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the Thai government’s unwavering commitment to sustainably solving the human trafficking issue and welcomed further cooperation from the U.S. In addition, he reassured Assistant Secretary Russel that the government is continuing to make positive progress in implementing the 3-phase Roadmap and reform.

The candid and constructive discussion between the two sides was underscored by their reaffirmation to enhance forward-looking cooperation between Thailand and the U.S.

Assistant Secretary Russel’s visit to Thailand is part of his four-nation trip to Southeast Asia, which also includes the Philippines, Malaysia and Cambodia.