US considers Thailand as key partner for regional security

BANGKOK, September 25 (TNA) - The United States considers Thailand as an important partner for regional security and cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Thai Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who is in New York to attend the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), told TNA that he met US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Daniel R. Russel on September 24, during which Russel said Washington considers Thailand as a key partner for regional security and cooperation with ASEAN. Sihasak said the US side also recognized and appreciated to Thailand's more serious attempts to solve alleged human trafficking. Russel pointed out that Washington's appreciation was reflected by US President Barack Obama's waiving sanctions against Thailand for the alleged human trafficking situation at the lowest Tier 3 level. However, Sihasak expressed concerns over Thailand's political situation, urging parties with different opinions to look at the future goal of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to bring Thailand to democracy in accordance with the NCPO's roadmap. The senior Thai official revealed that he and the US assistant secretary of state also discussed bilateral cooperation between Washington and Bangkok on climate change and the United States' call for ASEAN to help fight against radical terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria. (TNA)