Thai DPM joins ASEAN-US Defense Informal Meeting in Hawaii

BANGKOK, September 29 (TNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan is visiting the United States to attend the ASEAN-US Defense Informal Meeting in Hawaii, scheduled for September 29-October 2 (local time). Defence Ministry Spokesman Major General Kongcheep Tantrawanit told journalists of the information on September 28, saying that the three-day meeting reflects the strategic partnership between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and becomes a platform for both sides to review progress of issues they discussed in the previous ASEAN-US Summit. The spokesman said, accompanied by his entourage, the Thai deputy prime minister will discuss with other participants on issues concerning regional security and maritime cooperation, as well as those related to the South China Sea. Besides, the Thai deputy prime minister and defence minister will witness a demonstration of the US Armed Forces for Asia and the Pacific to build up mutual trust and show both sides' preparation for any possible tension in the South China Sea. According to the spokesman, the three-day ASEAN-US Defense Informal Meeting is expected to pave the way for expanding security cooperation between the US Pentagon and ASEAN Defence Ministries and to jointly promote peace and security in the region. (TNA)