ID :
15203
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 17:22
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/15203
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US President praises long standing relations between Thailand and US
BANGKOK, Aug 7 (TNA) - US President George W. Bush praised the long standing bilateral relations between Thailand and the United States tracing back 175 years ago while also expressing appreciation of strong cooperation in military and economic affairs.
Delivering the keynote speech focusing on his Asian policy at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre in Bangkok, Mr. Bush said that America's armed forces and the Royal Thai Armed Forces have stood together from the time of the Korean war and Vietnam, to the current concerns in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The US president said that on the historic anniversary of the Thai-US alliance that America looks to Thailand as a leader in the region and a partner around the world.
"I was proud to designate Thailand a major non-NATO ally of the United States," Mr. Bush said. "I salute the Thai people on the restoration of democracy, which has proved that liberty and law reign here in the 'Land of the Free.'"
Thailand and the United States celebrated the 175th anniversary of
diplomatic relations this year.
Regarding US policy in Asia, Mr. Bush said that the United States had carried out steps that were designed to reassure its allies that his country will stand firmly beside them in any test they face.
Mr. Bush said he also worked to develop strong personal relationships with the elected leaders of America's allies.
"These friendships are built on a foundation of honesty, respect, and shared values. And when a new occupant moves into the White House next year, America's alliances in Asia will be the strongest they have ever been," he said.
According to the Mr. Bush, the US has enhanced cooperation with the thriving countries of ASEAN, which is now chaired by the great nation of Thailand.
The US has joined with free nations throughout the region to establish a new Asia Pacific Democracy Partnership -- the region's only organisation whose sole focus is promoting democratic values and institutions in Asia.
He affirmed that the US strongly supports democracies like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which are making determined stands both against extremism and showing that Islam and tolerance go hand-in-hand.
Mr. Bush also urged the parties concern to seek an end to "tyranny in Burma."
"The United States reiterates its call on Burma's military junta to
release Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners. And the US
will continue working until the people of Burma have the freedom they
deserve," the US president said in his speech.
Mr. Bush also said he was in deep concerns over religious freedom and human rights in China.
"The United States believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings, he said.
The US leader then visited the Mercy Center and Human Development
Foundation, started by an American Roman Catholic priest, Redemptorist
Father Joe Maier, in 1974 to aid children of Bangkok's Klong Toey slum.
Meanwhile, U.S. first lady Laura Bush flew to the Thai-Myanmar border to spend the day at the Mae La refugee camp that houses thousands of Karen refugees. She will also visit a health clinic run by Cynthia Maung,M.D., a medical doctor known as the 'Mother Teresa of Burma' who was named an Asian hero by Time magazine in 2003.
Mae La camp is the biggest refugee camp in nine camps along Thai-Myanmar border which currently accommodates about 38,000 people, most of whom are ethnic Karen.
It is about four kilometres from the Myanmar border and has existed since 1984 as settlement for ethnic Karen who have fled Myanmar army offensives.
The US president was due to fly to Beijing following his speech in
Bangkok, where the Olympics will be his last stop on his final trip to
Asia before he leaves office in January.
Delivering the keynote speech focusing on his Asian policy at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre in Bangkok, Mr. Bush said that America's armed forces and the Royal Thai Armed Forces have stood together from the time of the Korean war and Vietnam, to the current concerns in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The US president said that on the historic anniversary of the Thai-US alliance that America looks to Thailand as a leader in the region and a partner around the world.
"I was proud to designate Thailand a major non-NATO ally of the United States," Mr. Bush said. "I salute the Thai people on the restoration of democracy, which has proved that liberty and law reign here in the 'Land of the Free.'"
Thailand and the United States celebrated the 175th anniversary of
diplomatic relations this year.
Regarding US policy in Asia, Mr. Bush said that the United States had carried out steps that were designed to reassure its allies that his country will stand firmly beside them in any test they face.
Mr. Bush said he also worked to develop strong personal relationships with the elected leaders of America's allies.
"These friendships are built on a foundation of honesty, respect, and shared values. And when a new occupant moves into the White House next year, America's alliances in Asia will be the strongest they have ever been," he said.
According to the Mr. Bush, the US has enhanced cooperation with the thriving countries of ASEAN, which is now chaired by the great nation of Thailand.
The US has joined with free nations throughout the region to establish a new Asia Pacific Democracy Partnership -- the region's only organisation whose sole focus is promoting democratic values and institutions in Asia.
He affirmed that the US strongly supports democracies like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which are making determined stands both against extremism and showing that Islam and tolerance go hand-in-hand.
Mr. Bush also urged the parties concern to seek an end to "tyranny in Burma."
"The United States reiterates its call on Burma's military junta to
release Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners. And the US
will continue working until the people of Burma have the freedom they
deserve," the US president said in his speech.
Mr. Bush also said he was in deep concerns over religious freedom and human rights in China.
"The United States believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings, he said.
The US leader then visited the Mercy Center and Human Development
Foundation, started by an American Roman Catholic priest, Redemptorist
Father Joe Maier, in 1974 to aid children of Bangkok's Klong Toey slum.
Meanwhile, U.S. first lady Laura Bush flew to the Thai-Myanmar border to spend the day at the Mae La refugee camp that houses thousands of Karen refugees. She will also visit a health clinic run by Cynthia Maung,M.D., a medical doctor known as the 'Mother Teresa of Burma' who was named an Asian hero by Time magazine in 2003.
Mae La camp is the biggest refugee camp in nine camps along Thai-Myanmar border which currently accommodates about 38,000 people, most of whom are ethnic Karen.
It is about four kilometres from the Myanmar border and has existed since 1984 as settlement for ethnic Karen who have fled Myanmar army offensives.
The US president was due to fly to Beijing following his speech in
Bangkok, where the Olympics will be his last stop on his final trip to
Asia before he leaves office in January.
