H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, will attend the Special ASEAN – U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday 4 May 2017 in Washington D.C., United States of America.

           The meeting takes place as this year marks the auspicious occasion of the 40^th anniversary of ASEAN – U.S. dialogue relations. Both sides are expected to discuss key regional and international issues, as well as other issues of mutual interest. The meeting underscores the importance of ASEAN – U.S. relations which are an important foundation for stability and prosperity in the region, as well as in the ASEAN Community building process. In addition, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will meet with prominent businessmen from the leading private sectors of the U.S. at a reception hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC). Moreover, the ASEAN Ministers will meet with Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, National Security Advisor.

           During this visit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will have a bilateral meeting with Mr. Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State of the United States, on 4 May 2017 (U.S. local time) to stress the longstanding relationship between Thailand and the United States. Both will have an opportunity to discuss ways to advance the relations. Both Ministers may take the opportunity to follow up on President Donald Trump’s invitation extended to H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.

          In addition, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is scheduled to meet with members of the U.S. Congress namely:

           (1) Mr. Orrin Hatch, President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, and main sponsor of the Resolution on "Honoring in praise and remembrance the extraordinary life, steady leadership, and remarkable, 70-year reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand", which was passed by the U.S. Senate in March 2017;

           (2) Mr. Cory Gardner, Chairman, Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy;

           (3) Mr. Edward Royce, Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs; and

           (4) Mr. Theodore Yoho, Chairman, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.