US delegates set to engage Asean, discuss Myanmar
The United States will send a delegation led by the US State Department Counsellor Derek Chollet to Thailand to affirm its commitment to the region and address the crisis in Myanmar.
The trip is part of a wider tour of Southeast Asia from Oct 17-22, which will also include stops in Indonesia and Singapore.
The delegation will discuss opportunities to deepen US engagement in Southeast Asia and work closely with Asean and its members to tackle several issues, including a strong post-Covid-19 economic recovery.
It will also discuss combatting climate change and the US commitment to the rules-based international order, building on Vice-President Kamala Harris’ recent trip to Southeast Asia, the State Department said.
The members also will reiterate the US’ commitment to the people of Myanmar and underscore that the international community, including neighbouring countries, has an urgent responsibility to pressure the military regime to cease violence.
It is also being urged to release political prisoners, and restore Myanmar to the path of democracy, it said.
In Thailand, Mr Chollet will discuss the distribution of cross-border humanitarian aid along the Thailand-Myanmar border, it said.