On 27 – 28 March 2019, Mrs. Busaya Mathelin, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, as head of the Thai delegation, participated in the 32nd ASEAN – U.S. Dialogue in Washington, D.C.

 

The meeting was an opportunity for the ASEAN Member States and the U.S. to discuss key issues in the ASEAN – U.S. Strategic Partnership across all three pillars of cooperation as well as exchanged views on global and regional issues such as Indo-Pacific Cooperation, the situation in Korean Peninsula and maritime cooperation and security. The meeting also discussed important issues ranging from cooperation in combating trafficking in persons, promotion of good governance and transparency, cybersecurity, trade and investment, energy and infrastructure, humanitarian assistance, education to cooperation in youth and women empowerment. 

 

The Permanent Secretary also updated the meeting on Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship priorities in 2019, seeking to pursue sustainability in all dimensions. She also led the discussion on “Good Governance and Transparency,” which is considered an integral part of the ASEAN Community Building process and key to ensuring a sustainable and inclusive ASEAN, in accordance with Thailand’s Chairmanship theme of “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability.”

 

The meeting was successful in strengthening the ASEAN – U.S. Strategic Partnership and serves as a good foundation for the 33rd ASEAN – U.S. Dialogue to be held in the Lao PDR in 2020.