King blessed with wishes from US and Russia
LEADERS FROM the United States and Russia sent greeting messages to HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn on the occasion of his 65th birthday on Friday.
US President Donald Trump said in his statement that “on behalf of the American people, Melania and I send you our warm greetings on the occasion of your 65th birthday”.
The friendship between the US and Thailand spans almost 200 years, dating back to the early days of the Chakri Dynasty when King Rama II first wrote to President James Monroe. Washington deeply values the enduring alliance and friendship with Thailand, Trump’s message said.
“We look forward to building on our successful partnership to enhance our collective security, deepen ties between our peoples, and promote increased trade and investment between our two great nations,” he said.
“On this day of celebration, we offer Your Majesty and the royal family our very best wishes.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s message asked the King to “please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of your 65th anniversary. I whole-heartedly wish you good health, happiness, wellbeing, every success and all the best”.
Russia highly values friendly relations with Thailand, the 120th anniversary of which we are celebrating this year, Putin said.
“I am confident that further development of constructive bilateral cooperation in various fields corresponds to the fundamental interests of the peoples of our countries and facilitates strengthening peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region,” Putin’s statement said.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also sent a message highlighting that Thailand was the first US treaty partner in Asia – a formal relationship dating back to 1833 during the reign of King Rama III.
“Since early in the reign of late King Rama IX, we have been military allies committed to working together for our mutual peace and security,” Tillerson said.
As Thailand continues to mourn the passing of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the US remains committed to honouring his memory by seeking ways to advance relations between our two countries for the benefit of the American and Thai peoples, Tillerson added.
