KUALA LUMPUR: The solidarity between Thailand and Malaysia in safeguarding their territories is forever cherished.
Thai ambassador Chainarong Keratiyutwong stressed that defence and security has always been the cornerstone of both countries' relations.
"The relationship between our armed forces has stood the test of time through a long historical journey.
"And over the past decades, it has developed into a long-lasting friendship and brotherhood, based on the strong foundation of good understanding, mutual trust and respect.
"These qualities are indispensable for our neighbouring countries who share extensive land and maritime borders, stretching over 600km," he said at a reception to celebrate the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) Day at the Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel and Residences in Jalan Conlay.
Guests-of-honour were Defence Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang and wife Tengku Puteri Seri Teja Puan Sri Tengku Muhaini Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Also present were RTAF defence and army attache Senior Col Nikom Tonginkaew, Royal Thai Air Force attache Group Capt Alongkot Tamprasert, Royal Thai Navy attache Capt Paitoon Sengjaroen and members of the Military Attache Corps comprising defence attaches and advisors from the various countries.
Chainarong said that in the spirit of partnership, the two armed forces had succeeded in pre-empting problems and preventing tensions beyond their borders.
"The ending of the decades-long insurgency that once plagued our borders, is one of the many testaments of our joint efforts which have successfully brought about peace and security to our region.
"The depth of military cooperation between our two countries is not only limited to our regular exchanges of visits, education and joint exercises.
"It is also best reflected in the regular meetings under various mechanisms, both under bilateral and regional frameworks," said Chainarong.
He added he was confident that the cordial ties between the two armed forces would continue to grow from strength to strength, for the mutual interest of their two countries and its people in the years to come.
Chainarong reminisced how for over half a century, Thailand celebrated its Armed Forces day without forgetting the sacrifices of its men and women in uniform.
"We will never forget the contributions of our predecessors who toiled to protect our country," he said.
"The celebration (of the RTAF Day) offers an opportunity to renew our close cooperation.
"The military has through time, gone beyond its traditional role of safeguarding the sovereignty, to providing humanitarian and disaster relief support and rural development," he said.
With the outbreak of the global Covid-19 pandemic, he said that the military also played a crucial role in assisting in health emergencies.
"The military has been deployed in providing field hospitals, logistics, social welfare and humanitarian aid.
"Our armed forces also fly the Thai flag at numerous United Nations peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Timor-Leste, Haiti and Darfur, just to name a few.
"I will like to salute their hard work during these challenging times," said Chainarong.
On another note, Chainarong offered his sympathies to the victims of the recent flash-floods that inundated several states including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
Meanwhile, in his toast to the guests, Nikom highlighted the importance of the event in signifying the great victory of the RTAF in the war against its enemies.
"It also symbolizes the good cooperation, not just only with the Malaysian armed forces, but also all our counterparts in the world," said Nikom.