Thailand, US ready for comprehensive security cooperation

BANGKOK, April 27 (TNA) -- Thailand and the United States are ready for comprehensive cooperation on security matters, said the spokesman of the Defence Ministry. Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanich, the spokesman, said authorities of both countries confirmed the readiness during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon to the US. The visit was set for April 21-27. According to the spokesman, Gen Prawit met Claire Grady, US Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security, to discuss cooperation on security matters apart from military cooperation. “Both sides discussed cooperation on cyberspace and marine security and efforts to cope with terrorism and transnational crime. They agree to strengthen the cooperation and work out relevant concrete results,” said the defence spokesman. Lt Gen Kongcheep quoted Miss Grady as saying that her department needed to cooperate with many countries and was ready to support partnership with Thailand. The US also expressed gratitude toward Thailand for supporting suppression of pirates in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia. On the occasion, Gen Prawit assigned naval representatives to discuss intelligence cooperation with the National Maritime Intelligence - Integration Office. Lt Gen Kongcheep said Gen Prawit’s visit was the first official visit of the Thai defence minister to the US in decades and it proved successful. (TNA)