Govt to strike Cobra Gold pact

The cabinet has approved an extension of its agreement with Singapore to participate in the annual Cobra Gold military exercise, while the United States insists on its strong commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.

Deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said yesterday a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which permits Singapore’s participation, will be extended for another five years with the same regulations for participating countries. Defence Minister Prawit Wongsiwon, who proposed the extension, will sign the pact with Singapore, said Maj Gen Werachon.

As for US participation in this regional military exercise, the US Pacific Fleet commander, Adm Scott Swift, who is on a visit to Asia, said the US military is committed to the region, including taking part in military exercises.

Adm Swift declined to say whether the US will scale down its part in the 2016 Cobra Gold exercise, which is one of the world’s largest multinational military drills, saying the decision was up to more senior officials, including the Pacific Command commander Admiral Harry Harris.

Following the May 22 coup last year, the US army substantially scaled down its Cobra Gold numbers from more than 8,000 in previous years to 3,700 in 2015.

However, Adm Swift said the US has been participating in military drills in the region, particularly humanitarian relief.

The US will keep up its efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region, as well as emphasising its rebalancing policy, the admiral said.