Lao PDR, "Maris", Foreign Minister, held bilateral talks with US Secretary of State, emphasizing the relationship and cooperation between the two countries. Mr. Maris Sengiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who attended the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Ministerial Meetings in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, met and held bilateral discussions with Mr. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States. On this occasion, Mr. Blinken offered his best wishes on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's 60th Birthday Anniversary on 28 July 2024. The U.S. Secretary of State reaffirmed the value of the long-standing alliance and partnership between the United States and Thailand. The two sides discussed issues of bilateral cooperation in the areas of economics, public health and people to people, while also exchanging views on regional security, challenges and the roles of ASEAN, Thailand and the United States. Mr. Blinken also expressed his congratulations on the 9th Thailand-US Strategic Dialogue (SD) co-chaired by Mrs. Ekasiri Pindaruchi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Daniel J. Krittenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, earlier this year. Mr. Maris also led the delegation to pay a courtesy call on Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Lao PDR, and expressed his congratulations on the success of Lao PDR in hosting this meeting and thanked him, his wife, and the Thai delegation for the warm welcome. He also hoped to meet again during the ASEAN Summit in October. On this occasion, the Minister also conveyed good wishes from Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister, and stated that Thailand is ready to welcome the Prime Minister of Lao PDR to visit Thailand officially soon. Source: Thai News Agency