FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353
December 5, 2023
Cotton, Merkley, Colleagues Introduce Legislation Commemorating 190th Anniversary of Relations with Thailand
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), today introduced a resolution commemorating the 190th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Thailand.
Congresswoman Michelle Steel (California-45) introduced companion legislation in the House.
“Thailand has long been a friend of the United States, acting as an important ally in the Indo-Pacific region. I am glad to lead my colleagues in introducing this legislation to honor the 190th anniversary of relations between our two nations,” said Senator Cotton.
“Our relationship with Thailand—now approaching two centuries of diplomatic relations—is pivotal to ensuring regional stability and security, and to tackling shared challenges, including environmental protection and sustainable economic growth among all the countries of the Mekong sub-region,” said Senator Merkley, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee. “This resolution reaffirms the United States’ commitment to strengthening our partnership and alliance with Thailand to promote the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing our bipartisan resolution honoring the 190th anniversary of U.S. diplomatic relations with Thailand. In an era of increasing authoritarian aggression, Thailand remains a steadfast friend and ally of the United States. I look forward to working with the new Thai government to further US-Thai interests and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Senator Sullivan.
“Since establishing our first treaty alliance in the Indo-Pacific region in 1833, the United States and Thailand have helped one another grow and evolve: militarily, diplomatically, economically and culturally,” said Senator Duckworth, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “I’m an American, but my Thai heritage makes me a living example of the unshakable bond between our two nations. As we celebrate the 190th anniversary of the powerful alliance between our two countries, I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan resolution to commemorate the long-standing, positive impacts this critical relationship has had on both of our nations.”
“This historic treaty represents the U.S.’ first agreement with not only Thailand, but any Asian country. Since its establishment, the relationship and cooperation between our two nations has thrived, providing benefit to both of our economies and national security. This bicameral resolution reaffirms our gratitude for our partnership and our continued commitment to building our friendship,” said Congresswoman Steel.
The resolution may be found here.
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