    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [September 19, 2005]
    [Pages 1457-1458]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Thaksin
    Chinnawat of Thailand
    September 19, 2005

        President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Thaksin Chinnawat met
    today to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-Thai alliance and the
    importance of bilateral cooperation in regional and global affairs. Both
    leaders recognized the special and enduring bonds between the two
    countries as well as between the American and Thai people, demonstrated
    most recently by the close cooperation following last December's
    devastating tsunami and after Hurricane Katrina. President Bush
    expressed his admiration for the resilience and determination of the
    Thai people and government in rebuilding areas affected by the tsunami
    and pledged continued U.S. assistance. The President noted Thailand's
    effort to mobilize support for an establishment of a regional tsunami
    early warning system.
        Prime Minister Thaksin once again expressed his profound condolences
    for American casualties and the devastation from Hurricane Katrina.
    President Bush expressed his appreciation for His Majesty the King of Thailand's donations for the people
    affected by Hurricane Katrina and for Thailand's dispatch of emergency
    relief supplies.
        The two leaders welcomed the expanding and deepening security
    cooperation that has followed Thailand's designation as a Major Non-NATO
    Ally and discussed plans to inaugurate a senior-level bilateral dialogue
    on strategic and security issues in Bangkok this fall. They also
    directed their officials to work together on a comprehensive Plan of
    Action covering all major areas of cooperation, aiming to serve as a
    roadmap to maximize the benefits arising from close and productive U.S.-
    Thai relations. In that context, the two leaders emphasized the
    importance of trilateral cooperation to support economic and social
    development in countries where both the U.S. and Thailand are working.
        The two leaders discussed the importance of stepping up efforts to
    counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and pledged to
    explore cooperation in the Proliferation Security Initiative. The
    President noted the outstanding cooperation by U.S. and Thai military
    forces in this year's Cobra Gold joint exercises.
        Both leaders expressed concern over current trends in Burma.
    Stressing their shared objectives of promoting democracy and national
    reconciliation in Burma, both sides agreed to have closer consultations
    on this matter. The two leaders noted that they had called for the
    immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and
    other jailed political activists when they met in 2003 and reiterated
    that this step was necessary for a credible process of political
    dialogue for all parties.
        Prime Minister Thaksin briefed President Bush on Bangkok's efforts
    to deal with the violence in southern Thailand while preserving the
    democratic freedom that has made Thailand a leader in Southeast Asia.
    The President commended the Prime Minister's creation of a National
    Reconciliation Commission aimed at developing a broad-based approach to
    the South that combines

    [[Page 1458]]

    security, equitable development, and protection for basic rights.
        The two leaders agreed to make vigorous efforts to reach conclusion
    on the U.S.-Thai Free Trade Agreement (FTA) next year. They expressed
    satisfaction with the fourth round of talks held in Montana in July and
    looked forward to the 5th round next week in Hawaii. President Bush and
    Prime Minister Thaksin agreed that the FTA must be beneficial to the
    people of both countries and comprehensive in its mandate, and it must
    address issues of importance to both sides.
        The two leaders welcomed the signing of an Air Transport Agreement
    between the two countries that would provide substantial benefits to
    travelers and businesses and further expand bilateral economic linkages.
        As the coordinator for ASEAN dialogue with the United States,
    Thailand plays a key role in U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia.
    President Bush and Prime Minister Thaksin discussed regional and
    development issues and ways to enhance U.S.-Thai cooperation in regional
    forums, particularly the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Post
    Ministerial Conferences, as well as the vital nexus of economic, trade,
    and security issues at APEC. President Bush noted that he was looking
    forward to meeting jointly with ASEAN members of APEC at the Leaders'
    Meeting in Busan this November. The two leaders also expressed their
    support for the Aceh peace agreement underway in Indonesia and praised
    the serious efforts of both sides in achieving such a breakthrough.
        Both leaders underscored the importance of combating infectious
    diseases and the urgency of addressing avian flu in particular.
    President Bush applauded Prime Minister Thaksin's leadership in
    responding to outbreaks in his country. The two leaders agreed on the
    critical importance of transparency, close monitoring, and cooperation
    across sectors and with international health organizations by all
    countries in the region. They pledged to intensify cooperation on global
    efforts to respond to this critical emerging issue.
        President Bush and Prime Minister Thaksin agreed on the potential
    for even greater coordination on areas of mutual concern and overlapping
    interest and looked forward to meeting again in November at APEC.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.