Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has proposed a comprehensive strategic partnership between ASEAN and the United States in the areas of economic development and climate change, as well as a cooperative regional atmosphere.

Government Spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said that the prime minister believes that a comprehensive strategic partnership will be pivotal to the enhancement of the relationship between ASEAN and the US and will be the force that will drive the region and the world to towards prosperity and sustainability.

ASEAN leaders, including the Thai prime minister, US President Joe Biden and the ASEAN secretary-general, met at the plenary session of the 10th ASEAN-US Summit, held in Phnom Penh yesterday (Saturday).

Anucha said that Prayut regards this summit as important for the regional grouping and the US, as it will allow both sides to review their relationship and to chart new direction amidst global changes, increasing challenges and complexities, resulting in development disparity, food and energy crises and disasters resulting from climate change.

He said the prime minister hopes that the strategic partnership will help build a cooperative atmosphere in the region and appreciates US support for ASEAN’s pivotal role, adding that he looks forward to cooperation between the super powers and other regional players under ASEAN’s principles.

The prime minister, Anucha added, wants to see the US promote development of the digital economy and technology,as well as digital infrastructure in ASEAN and enhancement of the capability of start-up businesses in the region.

As host of the upcoming APEC Summit, Anucha said that the prime minister has pledged Thailand’s readiness to work with the US to realise the comprehensive strategic partnerships.