Remarks by His Excellency Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Kingdom of Thailand
at the Thai-American Friendship Reception
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
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Your Excellency Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra,
Your Excellency Ambassador Kristie Kenney,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour and a great pleasure for me to warmly welcome you all to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this evening. Thank you for joining us at this special event celebrating 180 years of Thai — U.S. friendship.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Since the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1833, the friendship and cooperation between Thailand and the United States has evolved and diversified over the years into a vibrant and meaningful partnership.
Our cooperation has stood the test of time, encompassing defense, trade, investment, education, scientific and technical cooperation, as well as social and cultural networks.
This multidimensional partnership has not only benefitted both our countries, but it has also contributed to the promotion of stability and prosperity in the region.
Last November, President Obama’s visit to Thailand, his first overseas visit after his re-election, served as a curtain raiser to our celebrations today. The President and Prime Minister Yingluck highlighted the 180th anniversary of our ties as an opportunity to further deepen the Thai — U.S. partnership.
In this spirit, we are engaging more actively with a series of high-level contacts. Just three weeks ago, I was in Washington DC where I had a fruitful discussion with Secretary Kerry. Next month, we look forward to welcoming the U.S. Secretary of Health. Within the year, Prime Minister Yingluck will be visiting the United States. This continued exchange of high level visits is vital as we build upon our partnership.
Apart from our official collaboration, educational and people-to-people connections are also of great significance in our relationship.
The celebration of Thai — U.S. friendship cannot be fulfilled without the engagement of our people, particularly the youth and future generations who play an instrumental part in shaping and strengthening the future of our two nations.
Bearing this in mind, the reception tonight is held under the theme of “Space”, to signify the limitless possibilities for our future cooperation and partnership.
As you can see, we have transformed the space outside this hall into an Exhibition and Fair area to showcase the diverse dimensions of Thai — U.S. partnership.
You can treat yourself to popular Thai and American food or shop for great Thai products at our OTOP or One District One Product booths.
You could watch robots and animation shows illustrating our science and technology potentials. You could view short films that reflect how Thai-U.S. relations are perceived by the Thai people.
Also joining the Fair are high school students from Thai — U.S. sister schools as well as university students attending U.S. Studies programs.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Last but not least, today’s event would not have been possible without the cooperation and support of our various partners.
I would like to thank the U.S. Embassy, the Community Development Department of the Ministry of Interior and participating Thai and U.S. companies for all their support in helping to make our celebration a lively and memorable one.
I invite all of you to take the time to visit the Fair and Exhibition outside this hall to experience for yourselves the vibrancy of this special relationship and the reassuring sense of the limitless potential in Thai — U.S. friendship.
Thank you and please enjoy the evening.
กองการสื่อมวลชน กรมสารนิเทศ กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ โทร. 643-5170 โทรสาร. 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th--จบ--