Joint Press Statement between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of Thailand and President Barack Obama of the United States of America met today at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, on the eve of the anniversary of 180 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United States of America to chart the way for a deeper bilateral strategic partnership and enhanced regional cooperation. The President expressed his appreciation for his audience with His Majesty the King of Thailand and conveyed his warmest wishes to Their Majesties the King and Queen and the Royal Family. He further reaffirmed the enduring U.S. support for democracy in Thailand and welcomed the Royal Thai Government’s commitment to strengthen Thailand’s parliamentary democracy. He emphasized that Thailand is America’s oldest treaty ally in Asia, and the two leaders agreed that this alliance is rooted in the shared commitment to democracy, rule of law, universal human rights, open societies, and a free market, which has bonded the people of the two nations closely together. Prime Minister Yingluck added that the 180 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United States, first established by the 1833 Treaty of Amity and Commerce, is a partnership that has not only stood the test of time and proved beneficial to the two countries, but also has meaningfully contributed to the promotion of stability, prosperity, and the creation of jobs between both partners and the Southeast Asian region as a whole. The two leaders welcomed the continuous high-level and multidimensional dialogue between Thailand and the United States, including the 4th United States-Thailand Strategic Dialogue in June 2012, Prime Minister Yingluck’s recent visit to the United States in September 2012 to attend the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the 2nd United States-Thailand Strategic Defense Talks in October 2012, and the visit of the United States Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to Bangkok on November 15, 2012. Both sides agreed that these high-level dialogues are instrumental to the success of the multidimensional partnership between Thailand and the United States, which is reflected in the depth and diversity of cooperation on political, security, economic, technical, social and cultural, science and technology, and development issues. They highlighted the United States-Thailand Strategic Dialogue as the critical framework to shape the agenda for United States-Thailand relations, and welcomed the results of the 2nd United States-Thai Defense Strategic Talks, which ensured that bilateral defense cooperation complements existing cooperation in the political, economic and social development fields. In this connection, the two leaders further agreed that a Strategic Dialogue between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense of Thailand and the Department of State and the Department of Defense of the United States would provide a forum for enhancing partnership between the two countries. The two leaders highlighted the Thailand-United States Creative Partnership, which connects universities, businesses, and other innovation sectors in both countries as a prime example of forward-looking cooperation between the two nations and a forum to expand new areas of cooperation. The Prime Minister stated that Thailand continues to welcome educational and people-to-people exchanges through various channels such as the Fulbright Scholarship Program and the Peace Corps, with the latter celebrating its 50th anniversary in Thailand this year. The two leaders agreed that the upcoming 180th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations is a timely opportunity to reinvigorate the United States-Thailand partnership to truly realize its strategic potential. The President expressed his appreciation for Thailand’s ongoing efforts to promote regional peace and prosperity, including through regional development projects, while the Prime Minister welcomed the constructive role of the United States in the region. Both sides agreed that comprehensive and multidimensional engagement with the region by the United States could help to further enhance peace, prosperity, sustainable development and people-to-people relations. On defense cooperation, they welcomed achievements made through the annual Cobra Gold exercise, which now involves participants and observers from 27 countries, Thailand’s international peacekeeping operations in Darfur, and counter-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden. President Obama looked forward to Thailand’s co-hosting of the ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster Relief Exercise with the Republic of Korea in 2013. Prime Minister Yingluck welcomed the United States’ policy of forging a stronger partnership with the Asia-Pacific region and the support of the United States for ASEAN’s centrality in the region’s development and integration, especially through the United States’ engagement at the ASEAN-U.S. Summit and the East Asia Summit (EAS). President Obama noted the growing importance of the EAS as an important regional forum for Asia-Pacific leaders to discuss political and strategic issues. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote practical regional cooperation, including through other regional multilateral organizations such as the ASEAN Regional Forum and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The two leaders acknowledged the importance of forging regional cooperation based on mutual respect, and of resolving disputes peacefully and in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law. The two leaders noted progress achieved on a dialogue towards a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea under Thailand’s coordinatorship of the ASEAN-China framework. The Prime Minister commended the United States’ substantive engagement in the Lower Mekong Initiative, while the President reiterated continued U.S. support for the development of the Mekong sub-region, and in particular emphasized support for women’s empowerment as a pillar of the Lower Mekong Initiative. The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Trilateral Cooperation between the United States Agency for International Development and the Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency to support human resources development in countries in the region. The two leaders agreed that non-traditional challenges would require close cooperation between Thailand and the United States in addressing issues such as nuclear security, climate change, disaster relief, and wildlife trafficking, which have become of global concern. The leaders welcomed the outcomes of the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, and pledged to continue working together to address nuclear threats, including through their participation in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. In this regard, the President congratulated Thailand’s announcement endorsing the Proliferation Security Initiative’s Principles of Interdiction. President Obama and Prime Minister Yingluck agreed to strengthen joint efforts to combat transnational crimes, such as through anti-human trafficking, counternarcotics, and efforts to better secure borders, airports, and seaports. President Obama and Prime Minister Yingluck highlighted the importance of the joint partnership on public health, and the ongoing work to develop new vaccines for HIV and dengue fever as well as protection against pandemic threats like avian influenza and cooperation in combating multi-drug resistant malaria. Both leaders agreed that the partnership between Thailand and the United States would facilitate cooperation to overcome these transboundary challenges at both regional and global levels. The President acknowledged Thailand’s role as a regional hub for ASEAN Connectivity and supported Thailand’s critical role in the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The two leaders welcomed plans to convene the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Joint Council, which serves as a foundation for economic cooperation in this partnership. In this context, the two leaders agreed jointly to promote region-wide trade and investment, sustainable human development, economic opportunity for women, and people-to-people connectivity, including through the U.S.-ASEAN Five Year Work Plan. President Obama welcomed Thailand’s interest in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, which will be subject to Thailand’s undertaking of the necessary domestic procedures. The two leaders looked forward to reconvening the TIFA Joint Council as an important step to strengthen our trade ties and consult on the requirements for Thailand’s eventual participation in high-standard agreements, including the TPP. Prime Minister Yingluck and President Obama agreed to continue the exchange of high-level visits between Thailand and the United States in order to sustain momentum and progress in the multi-dimensional cooperation between the two countries.

Readout of the President’s Phone Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel

Prime Minister Netanyahu called the President today to provide an update on the situation in Israel and Gaza. The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the President and the American people for the United States’ investment in the Iron Dome rocket and mortar defense system, which has effectively defeated hundreds of incoming rockets from Gaza and saved countless Israeli lives. The President reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself, and expressed regret over the loss of Israeli and Palestinian civilian lives. The two leaders discussed options for de-escalating the situation.

President Obama Signs Delaware Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Delaware and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy during the period of October 27 to November 8, 2012.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy in Kent, New Castle, and Sussex Counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Jack Schuback as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. 

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

• Deborah Loewenberg Ball – Member, National Science Board, National Science Foundation
• Inez Y. Fung – Member, National Science Board, National Science Foundation
• Marc D. Guthrie – Member, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Access Board
• G. Peter Lepage – Member, National Science Board, National Science Foundation
• Norma Jean Mattei – Commissioner, Mississippi River Commission
• Geraldine Richmond – Member, National Science Board, National Science Foundation 
• Nancy E. Soderberg – Chairperson, Public Interest Declassification Board 

President Obama said, “I am honored that these talented individuals have decided to join this Administration and serve our country.  I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Dr. Deborah Loewenberg Ball, Appointee for Member, National Science Board, National Science Foundation
Dr. Deborah Loewenberg Ball is Dean of the University of Michigan School of Education, where she is also the William H. Payne Collegiate Professor of Education and an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor.  She is also the Director of TeachingWorks, an organization that seeks to improve professional training for teachers. Dr. Ball taught elementary school for more than 15 years, and continues to teach mathematics to elementary students every summer. Dr. Ball has served on the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, the National Board for Education Sciences, and is an elected member of the National Academy of Education. She received a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Dr. Inez Y. Fung, Appointee for Member, National Science Board, National Science Foundation
Dr. Inez Y. Fung is a Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of California, Berkeley.  She was an Adjunct Senior Scientist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University from 1979 to 2001, worked as a Physical Scientist for NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies from 1986 to 1998, and was the Founding Director of the Berkeley Institute of the Environment.  Dr. Fung was appointed to the President’s Committee for the National Medal of Science in 2010.  Dr. Fung is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and a fellow of both the American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society.  She is the recipient of NASA’s Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal, the American Geophysical Union’s Roger Revelle Medal, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s Distinguished Achievement Award.  Dr. Fung contributed to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.  Dr. Fung received an S.B. and Sc.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Marc D. Guthrie, Appointee for Member, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Access Board
Marc D. Guthrie is the Director of Development and Advocacy for the American Council of the Blind of Ohio, a position he has held since 2006.  In addition, Mr. Guthrie is a City Councilman At-Large in Newark, Ohio, and served as the President of Newark City Council from 2004 to 2009.  Previously, he was the Business and Human Resources Administrator for District Five of the Ohio Department of Transportation from 2009 to 2011, and the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Cerebral Palsy of Central Ohio from 1995 to 2001.  He served on the United States Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Access Board from 1996 to 2005, and as a State Representative for the 77th House District in the Ohio House of Representatives.  Mr. Guthrie received an A.A. from Ohio Dominican College.

Dr. G. Peter Lepage, Appointee for Member, National Science Board, National Science Foundation
Dr. G. Peter Lepage is the Harold Tanner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, where he served as Chair of the Department of Physics from 1999 to 2003, and has been a professor of Physics since 1980.  Dr. Lepage was Co-Chair of the STEM Undergraduate Education Working Group for the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, contributing to their 2012 report, “Engage to Excel.”  He is also a member of the Technical Advisory Committee for the Association of American Universities’ Undergraduate STEM Education Initiative.  He was the recipient of an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship in 1983, the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship in 1996, and is a fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.  Dr. Lepage received a B.Sc. from McGill University, an M.A.St. from the University of Cambridge, and an M.S. and Ph.D. from Stanford University.

Dr. Norma Jean Mattei, Appointee for Commissioner, Mississippi River Commission
Dr. Norma Jean Mattei is the interim Dean of Engineering at the University of New Orleans, where she also serves as a professor and Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.  Dr. Mattei is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Louisiana, and was a design and project engineer in the New Orleans area from 1982 to 1989.  She has served in a variety of leadership roles in the American Society of Civil Engineers, and currently serves as Region 5 Director on the National Board of Direction, a member of the Executive Committee, and Chair and Governor of Region 5.  In 2007, she was appointed to the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board, and has served as Chair since 2011.  She also currently serves as Chair of the Education Committee for the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.  Dr. Mattei received a B.S. and Ph.D. from Tulane University.

Dr. Geraldine Richmond, Appointee for Member, National Science Board, National Science Foundation
Dr. Geraldine Richmond is the Richard M. and Patricia H. Noyes Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science at the University of Oregon.  Dr. Richmond is the Founder and Chair of the Committee on the Advancement of Women Chemists, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women scientists and engineers.  Before joining the faculty of the University of Oregon in 1985, she was a professor of chemistry at Bryn Mawr College.  Dr. Richmond serves as the Assistant Secretary for the Sciences at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.  She is the recipient of the 2013 Charles L. Parsons Award from the American Chemical Society and the 2013 Davisson-Germer Prize for Surface Physics from the American Physical Society.  Dr. Richmond received a B.S. from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley.

Ambassador Nancy E. Soderberg, Appointee for Chairperson, Public Interest Declassification Board
Ambassador Nancy E. Soderberg is the President of the Connect U.S. Fund, a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting U.S. global engagement.  In addition, she is a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the University of North Florida and the President and CEO of Soderberg Global Solutions.  She was first appointed as Chairperson of the Public Interest Declassification Board by President Obama in January 2012.  Ambassador Soderberg served as Vice President of the International Crisis Group from 2001 until 2005.  She served, with the rank of Ambassador, as the United States Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations from 1997 to 2001, as Deputy Assistant to the President and Staff Director of the National Security Council from 1993 until 1997, and as a Foreign Policy Advisor to Senator Edward M. Kennedy from 1985 to 1992.  Ambassador Soderberg has written The Superpower Myth: The Use and Misuse of American Might, and co-authored The Prosperity Agenda: What the World Wants from America - and What We Need in Return.  She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.  Ambassador Soderberg received a B.A. from Vanderbilt University and an M.S. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.