Bangkok, The Gulf Observer: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrived Thursday in Thailand, where she plans to affirm America’s commitment to Southeast Asia and drive home the message that the region can count on the United States.

Harris’ visit for a two-day Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit comes just after U.S. President Joe Biden attended a Southeast Asian summit in Cambodia and Group of 20 meetings in Indonesia.

She and other APEC leaders are expected to discuss the Ukraine war, soaring inflation, food and energy shortages.

Harris is standing in for Biden, who returned to Washington to host his granddaughter’s wedding at the White House.

A senior U.S. administration official said the trips to Southeast Asia by Biden and Harris show the deepening of America’s engagement with the region, and that it is a friend and partner that can be counted on.