Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (PDASD) for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jed Royal concluded his visit to Cambodia, Thailand, and Brunei today after a series of productive defense engagements.
PDASD Royal's trip began in Cambodia, where he joined Assistant Secretary of State (A/S) for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink to meet with Prime Minister Hun Manet and Ministry of Defense counterparts. The officials discussed how to deepen the U.S.-Cambodia bilateral relationship and address issues of concern.
Next, he traveled with A/S Kritenbrink to Bangkok for the U.S.-Thailand 2+2 Strategic Defense Dialogue, where the two officials met with their Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs counterparts. PDASD Royal and A/S Kritenbrink reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the alliance, welcomed Thailand's leadership on regional issues, and discussed opportunities for future cooperation. During his time in Thailand, PDASD Royal also met with Minister of Defence Suthin Klungsang.
PDASD Royal and A/S Kritenbrink's final stop was in Brunei, where they met with Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Erywan and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defense Dato Alirupendi to discuss ways to enhance U.S.-Brunei cooperation. PDASD Royal also toured two visiting U.S. F-35 aircraft with Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force Brigadier General Dato Sharif.
"My engagements across Southeast Asia underscored the real momentum we're seeing between the United States and our partners in the region," PDASD Royal said. "Together, we're delivering a shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific."
