Washington, 4 August 2021 (TDI): The Secretary of the United States of America, Antony J. Blinken co-hosted the second US-Mekong ministerial meeting.
In the meeting, he emphasized the US commitment to a secure, connected, and open Mekong sub-region and also accredited the region`s importance in the prosperity and unity of ASEAN. Secretary Blinken unveiled that US COVID assistance to the region during the pandemic was over 8.5 million doses and more than $58 million to the regional countries, over $3.4 billion since 2009. All six participant countries discussed the impact of COVID and other issues such as; empowering human capital and making a base to build a Mekong digital economy. Promoting women’s rights and other environmental issues, sustainably managing water and other natural resources. Moreover to overcome non-traditional threats like human trafficking, wildlife, Narcotics, and Weapons.
Lastly, Secretary Blinken urged all members to take fast action for holding the Burmese military regime accountable to the ASEAN five-point Consensus. Calling for joint action to press against the Burmese military to end the brutality and violence, release the detained ones, and bringing Burma to the path of democracy.
