Thailand and the United States will sign the 2012 Joint Vision Statement for the Thai-U.S. Defense Alliance. Preparations are now underway for the visit of President Barack Obama to Thailand.
The Cabinet, during its meeting on November 12, assigned the Ministry of Defense to work out the joint vision statement. The Minister of Defense will represent the Thai government in signing the document.
The Cabinet was told that the joint vision statement would focus on Thai-US strategic partnership to strengthen security in Southeast Asia, enhance stability in the Asia-Pacific region, develop capacity-building in joint operations at both bilateral and multilateral levels, and promote relations and cooperation at all levels.
Thailand and the United States have underscored the importance of strengthening the alliance as a true 21st century partnership that aims to promote a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region and contribute to global stability.
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will visit Thailand on November 15 and 16 and sign the Joint Vision Statement for the Thai-U.S. Defense Alliance with Defense Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat.
In the recent defense strategic talks between Thailand and the United States, both sides reaffirmed the importance of bilateral and multilateral Interoperability and readiness, especially through world-class military exercises, sales of defense equipment and services, and continuing military education and exchange programs. They also undertook to continue work on defense modernization to sustain high levels of interoperability which allow for advanced Thai-US operations and exercises.
Meanwhile, President Barack Obama will travel to Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia from November 17 to 20. He will pay an official visit to Thailand on November 18 and 19. The visit is to mark 180 years of diplomatic relations and reaffirm the strength of Thai-US alliance.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is scheduled to visit Cambodia on November 17-20 for the ASEAN Summit. However, after attending the opening ceremony of the summit in the morning of November 18, the Prime Minister will return to Bangkok to personally welcome President Obama. After that she will go back to Phnom Penh for the ASEAN Summit and related meetings, hosted by Cambodia on November 18-20 at the Peace Palace.
Mr. Obama will visit Myanmar before flying to Cambodia for the ASEAN Summit and related meetings and to meet the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. During his interactions in the region he will discuss a broad range of issues, such as economic prosperity and job creation through increased trade and partnerships, energy and security cooperation and human rights.
