Blinken to hold five days of virtual talks with Asean ministers this week

Antony Blinken is expected to announce several measures to support Asean's fight against Covid-19 and its economic recovery. - Reuters

WASHINGTON (The Straits Times/ANN): United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will come bearing gifts as he meets virtually with South-East Asian ministers every day this week, said senior US officials on Monday (Aug 2).

He is expected to announce several measures to support Asean's fight against Covid-19 and its economic recovery, including expansions of programmes and partnerships the US already has with Asean, the two State Department officials told reporters in a briefing.