Phuket, Thailand, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The United States has committed to working with Thailand closely on the national, regional and global issues, as Thailand is the economic and strategic importance to it, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told a joint press conference after a bilateral talk with Thailand's Foreign Minister on Thursday morning.

    Clinton was participating in the 42th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Post Ministerial Conferences and 16th ASEAN Regional Forum, which have been organized in a southern province of Phuket on July 17-23.

    According to Clinton, Thailand resolves to correct political challenges. "The people of Thailand can count on the United States to work with you to find the path forward that honors your democratic tradition," she said.

    Meanwhile, Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, who also joined the press conference with Clinton, said the United States and Thailand promises to strengthen the bilateral tie.

    In addition to that, the two countries will work closely within the ASEAN context particularly in the ASEAN-U.S. dialogue and also in the other regional organizations, Kasit said.

    The United States has reaffirmed its continued interest and full participation for the well-being of the Asia-Pacific region and Southeast Asia's peace and security development, Kasit said.

    Clinton added that during her participation of the ASEAN meetings here she had a number of productive conversations with the ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Regional Forum.

    "And, I think that that's laid groundwork for our future collaboration on urgent issues from the Democratic People Republic of Korea, Myanmar, to threat of terrorism and human trafficking," said Clinton.

    She said she is looking forward to return to do follow-up after these meetings.