ASEAN-U.S. Strengthen Ties, Cooperation at 33rd Dialogue

BANGKOK, Aug 8 (TNA) - Thailand proposed that ASEAN and the U.S enhance engagement with the private sector in vaccine and anti-viral medicine for COVID-19 and promote public health experts’ network at the 33rd ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue. The meeting also agreed to prioritise the effective control of new infection waves, reopening economies and safeguarding employment. Thai Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum attended the 33rd ASEAN-US Dialogue via videoconference. The Meeting was co-chaired by SOM Leaders of the Lao PDR (as Country Coordinator for the ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations) and the US SOM Leaders of ASEAN Member States and the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN also attended this meeting. ASEAN Member States welcomed US support for public health emergencies totaling 87 million USD, including its ASEAN-US Health Futures initiative, and looked forward to the elevation of the Regional Office of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The meeting also emphasised US’ role in the region’s post-pandemic recovery, including in the area of connectivity, digital economy, infrastructure development through the US International Development Finance Corporation (USDFC), and human capital development. Thailand’s concrete proposals included enhanced engagement with the private sector in vaccine and anti-viral medicine for COVID-19, enhancing a network among public health experts, promoting digital connectivity in the region through the US’ private-led investment, and upskilling workforce in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), especially among MSMEs and women. The meeting was an opportunity for ASEAN and the US to enhance concrete cooperation, creating an environment conducive to recovery and sustained growth in the region. It was also the platform in preparation for the upcoming Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) with the US and the ASEAN-US Summit in September and November 2020 respectively. (TNA)