Cobra Gold 2011 kicks off in Thailand
Baku, February 8 (AZERTAC). The opening ceremony for Exercise Cobra Gold 2011 in Chiang Mai Feb. 7, 2011 highlighted the multinational nature of the exercise as well as the many benefits that occur when partner nations train together and look for effective solutions to common challenges.
This is the first year Malaysian troops will join the armed forces of Thailand, Republic of Singapore, Japan, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Korea and the U.S. for this exercise, the largest multinational exercise in the world, said Judith B. Cefkin, the U.S. deputy chief of mission, U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand, during her remarks at the ceremony.
“This is a significant event. Cobra Gold is truly an international exercise,” said Thai Lt. Gen. Surapun Wongthai, exercise director, during his opening remarks.
This year`s exercise has brought 24 nations together, Wongthai added. In addition to the participating nations, observing nations include the State of Brunei, People`s Republic of China, Republic of India, Lao Peoples` Democratic Republic, Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russian Federation and Republic of South Africa.
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