Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, has embarked on a multi-country visit to reaffirm America’s commitment to allies and partners in Southeast Asia

ASSISTANT Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, is undertaking a series of diplomatic visits to Singapore, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Hanoi, and Bandar Seri Begawan from the 23rd of February 23 to 4th March 2024. The visits are aimed to underline the United States’ steadfast commitment to its allies and partners in Southeast Asia.

In Singapore, Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink has co-chaired the U.S.-Singapore Strategic Partnership Dialogue with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Albert Chua. The discussions encompassed various aspects of the U.S.-Singapore partnership, including defense and security, economic cooperation, critical and emerging technology, and climate and energy.

In Phnom Penh, Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink will engage with Cambodian officials to promote a free, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific. He will emphasize the U.S. commitment to the Cambodian people’s aspirations for democracy, independence, and sovereignty.

In Bangkok, Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink will co-lead the 9th U.S.-Thailand Strategic Dialogue and the Second Strategic and Defense Dialogue. These dialogues, guided by the U.S.-Thai Communiqué on Strategic Alliance and Partnership, will focus on advancing bilateral cooperation in economic growth, climate change, global health, security, and people-to-people ties.

The visit to Hanoi will see Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink meet Vietnamese officials and participate in the Asia-Pacific Dialogue. Building on the upgraded U.S.-Vietnam ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, discussions will aim to deepen relations and enhance a prosperous, open, resilient, and peaceful Indo-Pacific Region.

In Bandar Seri Begawan, Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink will commemorate the 40th anniversary of U.S.-Brunei relations. Meetings with senior Bruneian officials will center on bilateral economic and security initiatives, climate change efforts, and regional cooperation.

Source: U.S. Embassy Singapore