Text of Thailand-US Joint Vision Statement | Bangkok Post: news

Following is the full text of the new "Joint Vision Statement" signed Thursday, Nov 15, by the Thai defence minister and the US secretary of defence:

2012 Joint Vision Statement for the Thai-U.S. Defense Alliance A 21st Century Security PartnershipFor more than 50 years, the Thai-U.S. defense alliance has promoted regional stability by fostering cooperation in areas that enable both nations to address shared security concerns effectively. Both nations reaffirmed this relationship when Thailand became a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States in 2004. Today, the alliance is a true 21st century partnership that addresses a range of challenges, including responding to natural and manmade disasters, confronting transnational threats, contributing to global peacekeeping, and addressing maritime security issues.  The Thai-U.S. defense alliance supports Thailand’s position as a regional leader – including within the Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) and other regional bodies – and the United States’ enduring presence in the Asia-Pacific. Continuous policy consultation and coordination on regional and global security affairs lays the foundation for our defense activities. As the Thai-U.S. defense alliance is calibrated to address 21stcentury challenges, defense cooperation is to focus on the following four areas:  1) Partnership for Regional Security in Southeast Asia; 2) Supporting Stability in the Asia-Pacific Region and Beyond; 3) Bilateral and Multilateral Interoperability and Readiness; and 4) Relationship Building, Coordination, and Collaboration at All Levels. Partnership for Regional Security in Southeast AsiaIn meeting modern challenges, the Alliance fosters regional and multilateral security cooperation through a variety of initiatives and exercises, including Cobra Gold, the world’s largest multilateral military exercise and premier training event in Asia. Thai-U.S. defense cooperation supports the Royal Thai Armed Forces’ leadership role in Southeast Asia, including through peacekeeping missions, maritime security operations, and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief efforts. The armed forces of both nations have proven their ability to provide timely, life-saving assistance in the face of grave natural disasters, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and Cyclone Nargis in 2008. Supporting Stability in the Asia-Pacific Region and BeyondBased on decades of close partnership and mutual trust, the Thai-U.S. defense alliance todayhas a global impact that enables both...