US, ASEAN issue joint statement on maritime security
Government leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States have issued a joint statement on maritime security in the Asian region, according to Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya Mr Kasit said the joint statement was issued following a summit organised on the sidelines of this year’s United Nations General Assembly.
Under the agreement, maritime security was not focused on the South China Sea, which is an ongoing concern as the scene of disputes between China and several Asian countries including Japan.
Sea traffic comes through the Straits of Malacca and other smaller straits, Mr Kasit said, meaning that mot traffic must eventually pass through the South China Sea.
Many international cargo ships now use these shipping routes and do not want to see any clashes in the areas, he said, noting that shippers strictly follow international law.
In a bid to further strengthen relations between both sides, American teachers will be sent to the 10-member ASEAN to teach English, boost trade and join in environmental preservation, especially regarding forestry, Mr Kasit said.
“It displays a strong determination by the U.S. in strengthening relations with ASEAN. Everyone is speaking in one voice how important the US is for security, trade and investment, tourism and technology,” Mr Kasit said.
“The US develops innovative technology all the time,” he said.
On talks with his Mexican counterpart, Mr Kasit said he had thanked Mexico for its help in transporting Thai aid to help the Haitian people who had suffered from a massive earthquake.
The aid was worth US$100,000 and Thailand wants to offer more aid to that country, especially in sending more Thai doctors to help the earthquake victims, he added.
Under the agreement, maritime security was not focused on the South China Sea, which is an ongoing concern as the scene of disputes between China and several Asian countries including Japan.
Sea traffic comes through the Straits of Malacca and other smaller straits, Mr Kasit said, meaning that mot traffic must eventually pass through the South China Sea.
Many international cargo ships now use these shipping routes and do not want to see any clashes in the areas, he said, noting that shippers strictly follow international law.
In a bid to further strengthen relations between both sides, American teachers will be sent to the 10-member ASEAN to teach English, boost trade and join in environmental preservation, especially regarding forestry, Mr Kasit said.
“It displays a strong determination by the U.S. in strengthening relations with ASEAN. Everyone is speaking in one voice how important the US is for security, trade and investment, tourism and technology,” Mr Kasit said.
“The US develops innovative technology all the time,” he said.
On talks with his Mexican counterpart, Mr Kasit said he had thanked Mexico for its help in transporting Thai aid to help the Haitian people who had suffered from a massive earthquake.
The aid was worth US$100,000 and Thailand wants to offer more aid to that country, especially in sending more Thai doctors to help the earthquake victims, he added.
