He said Adm Samuel J. Locklear III, commander of the US Pacific Command, paid a courtesy call to Gen Thanongsak Apirakyothin, defence permanent secretary, on Monday during which they exchanged views on bilateral cooperation to strengthen the 179-year relationship between Thailand and the US.
Adm Locklear emphasised the US hopes for peaceful negotiations in line with a code of conduct to end territorial conflicts in the resource-rich South China Sea, Col Thanathip said.
The ministry spokesman said Thailand and the US will continue to carry on the Cobra Gold joint exercise which has been held for over 30 years and has become beneficial to both countries.
He said future exercises will put more emphasis on new risk factors including the stability of territorial waters, disaster relief, peace-keeping and humanitarian operations.
