By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service
BANGKOK, June 4, 2012 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff arrived here today for his last visit in a week-long Asia tour that focused on strategy and featured engagements with many key allies and partners in the region.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey arrived in the Thai capital Tuesday morning. Bangkok is 11 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time. He is scheduled to meet with key Thai leaders: Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Defense Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat and Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Songkitti Jaggabatara.
The chairman’s trip centers around the 11th annual Asia Security Summit known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which was held in Singapore June 1 to 3. During the gathering, Dempsey and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta took part in meetings with key partners and allies in the Asia-Pacific, including Japan, Australia, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia.
Dempsey said Panetta’s speech at the dialogue detailed U.S. defense plans to rebalance forces and high-tech capabilities in the region. That speech, as well as the engagements at the conference, gave allies a clearer view of the United States’ commitment to regional security and partnerships.
The U.S. intent to bring what the chairman calls the “three mores” - more interest, more engagement with partners and more quality in the form of technology and training – was very reassuring for the United States’ Asia-Pacific partners and allies, the general said.