From July 30-August 6, Secretary Pompeo traveled to Bangkok, Thailand; Sydney, Australia; and Pohnpei, the Federated States of Micronesia to deepen our long-standing alliances and vibrant bilateral relations with these countries, and reaffirm our commitment to ASEAN, which is central to our vision for the Indo-Pacific region.
On August 1, Secretary Pompeo arrived in Bangkok where he co-chaired the U.S.-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ministerial and the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) Ministerial.
The next day, August 2, Secretary Pompeo delivered remarks at the Siam Society on America’s economic engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. The Secretary then participated in the East Asia Summit (EAS) Ministerial, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial, and held a bilateral meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai to discuss ways to further strengthen the U.S.-Thai alliance.
On August 3, the Secretary traveled from Thailand to Australia. On August 4, Secretary Pompeo, along with Secretary of Defense Esper, led the U.S. delegation to the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). As part of his AUSMIN engagement, the Secretary participated in dialogues aimed at strengthening the Alliance, working shoulder to shoulder with Australia to meet global and transnational challenges, and safeguarding sovereignty in Pacific Island countries and Southeast Asia. He also delivered remarks on the U.S.-Australia relationship at the State Library of New South Wales. The Secretary also met with Prime Minister Morrison to discuss continued collaboration on advancing our shared set of values, principles, and overlapping interests.
On August 5, Secretary Pompeo met with Consulate General Sydney staff and family members, and then departed for the Federated States of Micronesia to reaffirm our special partnership with this Pacific Island country under our Compact of Free Association.
The Secretary’s visit to the Federated States of Micronesia marked the first-ever visit by a Secretary of State to the Federated States of Micronesia. While in Pohnpei, Secretary Pompeo met with the leaders of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The Secretary also met with staff and family members of U.S. Embassy Kolonia. Secretary Pompeo finished his visit by paying his respects and laying a wreath to honor the service of citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia in the U.S. Armed Forces.
