- May 4, 2021
- 2,251
| To: <Peter MacKay, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Canada> Alex From: <Sarabun@mfa.mail.go.th> Subject: Request for a private meeting Security Type: NSST Protocol + High Secure Encrypted Method - Protect by NIA Counter-Intelligence Service - The decryption method is sent separately via fax |
Prime Minister MacKay,
I hope your day is well and the Canadian nation is prosperous.
In my capacity as the Thai Ambassador to Canada, I would like to ask to speak with you in person in private. The Kingdom of Canada, a country that the Republic of Thailand views as friendly and equal, is highly valued in our bilateral relationship. Even though the history of cooperation between our countries may not be particularly impressive, our countries' allies and enemies have always been consistently the same.
I have learned that the Republic Navy recently granted the Royal Canadian Navy's procurement plan access to our ten decommissioned Gepard-class frigates. Based on what I have found, it appears that the Canadian government has yet to respond to the Republic Armed Forces' Sale Authority. I would like to remind you of the terms and conditions your government has registered to purchase those vessels, since part of my job is to represent Thailand in Canada and promote mutual understanding between our two nations.
As for our monitoring of the ten Gepard-class Frigates, this is a fair standard practice for any country, as it guarantees that the purchaser will use it in accordance with international regulations and standards. We think that is not a problem for Canada. But we would like to remind that the Thai Government and its Armed Forces have a duty to support your country in accordance with the terms if you require military assistance with respect to those vessels.
With Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's full endorsement, I want to have a conversation to you in person concerning our bilateral relationship, which will be the main topic of discussion. The Republic Government is optimistic about the Thai-Canadian relationship because we see its potential. In addition, our analysis revealed that, despite its unconventional nature, we greatly respect your nation's sovereignty as it pertains to the augmentation of its military.
We pledge that the Canadian military will have access to all of our military bases across the globe, including the ability to summon our auxiliary fleet on call for your country whenever necessary, in an effort to allay any hesitation on your part to interact with our government.
Please let me know your opinion.
Sincerely,
Kallayana Vipattipumiprates
Thai Ambassador to Canada
Republic of Thailand