Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand congratulates Secretary Antony Blinken on the appointment as the United States Secretary of States. Both sides discussed, by telephone, ways to reinvigorate long-standing ties and multi-faceted cooperation, including economic recovery in the COVID-19 era.

On the occasion that the Honorable Antony Blinken was sworn in as the United States Secretary of State on 27 January 2021 (Bangkok time), H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, sent a congratulatory letter to Secretary Blinken. In his letter, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs extended his congratulations on Secretary Blinken’s appointment as Secretary of State at this critical juncture in world affairs. He emphasized that the United States bears the mission to lead the world back to stability, peace and growth based on mutual trust, mutual respect, and shared interests, and expressed his confidence in Secretary Blinken’s leadership in these endeavors. As the oldest treaty partner of the United States in Asia, Thailand stands ready to work closely with Secretary Blinken and with the United States and trusts that the long-standing Thailand-United States bilateral cooperation will be further strengthened under President Biden’s Administration with Secretary Blinken’s pivotal role in United States foreign policy. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also extended an invitation for Secretary Blinken to visit Thailand during his regional visit in the future.

In addition, on 28 January 2021 (Bangkok time), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Secretary Blinken further. Both sides discussed ways to reinvigorate Thailand-United States’ long-standing ties and multi-faceted cooperation, including cooperation to address the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery. They also exchanged views on ASEAN, cyber security, and people-centered issues such as anti-human trafficking, human rights, and migrant workers protection. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also informed Secretary Blinken of the agenda for Thailand’s Chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2022 and extended an invitation for Secretary Blinken to visit Thailand.