Amidst a whirlwind regional tour, Congressman Andy Barr (R-Kentucky) and Congresswoman Jasmine Felicia Crockett (D-Texas), graced the shores of Thailand on August 22 and 23, 2023. This diplomatic rendezvous orchestrated as part of the US bipartisan Congressional delegation tour was not just an opportunity to explore the cultural richness of the Southeastern jewel but also a strategic move aimed at fortifying the Thailand-US relationship via progressive collaborations with impactful players in US foreign policy – the US legislative authorities.
The essence of the long-standing alliance between Thailand and the US was an integral part of the discussions. The significant role that comprehensive, dynamic cooperation plays in maintaining a robust diplomatic relationship, a legacy that proudly celebrates its 190th anniversary this year, was celebrated by both parties.
These discussions were incredibly productive with noteworthy highlights being the exploration into how shared priorities such as defence and non-traditional security can be strengthened. Commerce was another significant talking point, as they contemplated methods to invigorate two-way economic exchanges and supply chain resilience. Cultivating people-to-people bonds via aspects such as education and tourism also featured prominently in their conversation.
The two sides also held constructive exchanges on pressing regional developments. An exclusive area of discussion focused on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), where Thailand will be the proud host of the subsequent negotiation round, scheduled to be held in Bangkok during September 2023.
Recognizing the fruits of this productive meeting, an invitation was extended to the Congressional delegation by Don, who urged them to join the US-Thai Alliance Caucus. A recent addition to the U.S. Congress, the Caucus platform intends to foster Thailand-US cooperation and handle issues beneficial to the thriving Thai communities in the US.
Sealing this constructive rendezvous, the US Congressional Delegation relished the opportunity to partake in a Business Roundtable, an initiative by the Thai Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington. During this session, these influential political figures exchanged views with prominent Thai business executives on structuring more trade and investment corridors. This conversation anticipated tangible opportunities for Thai businesses in the U.S and potential cooperation on supply chains in trending sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, and rare minerals.
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