Sec. 201. Findings
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Congress finds the following: The partnership between the United States and Mexico helps the economic and national security of both countries, including in the area of energy. The United States and Mexico share a common goal of reducing the flow of narcotics and the influence of transnational gangs in the Hemisphere. The partnership between the United States and Mexico helps the economic competitiveness and national security of both countries. The economies of the United States and Mexico are increasingly interdependent, with bilateral foreign direct investment increasing more than six-fold over the past two decades.
In 2012 alone, bilateral trade in goods and services between the United States and Mexico exceeded $500,000,000,000. The transfer of naval vessels to Mexico authorized under section 202 supports the modernization efforts of the Mexican Navy. Such naval vessels are suitable to support Mexico’s offshore maritime surveillance, counter trafficking, interdiction, and oil platform security. The transfer of such naval vessels will contribute to United States interests in promoting increased maritime awareness to support security and protection of the people of the United States and the people of Mexico.
Congress finds the following: Thailand was the first treaty ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region and remains a steadfast friend of the United States. In December 2003, the United States designated Thailand as a major non-NATO ally, which improved the security of both countries, particularly by facilitating joint counterterrorism efforts. For more than 30 years, Thailand has been the host country of Cobra Gold, the United States Pacific Command’s annual multinational military training exercise, which is designed to ensure regional peace and promote regional security cooperation.
The Royal Thai Navy has commanded Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) of the Combined Maritime Forces, a multi-national naval partnership consisting of 30 nations operating in and around the Gulf of Aden and off the eastern coast of Somalia. With the assistance of the Royal Thai Navy’s Counter Piracy Task Group, CTF 151 is helping to expressly disrupt and suppress piracy, protect all vessels in the region and secure their free navigation. The Royal Thai Navy is also participating in the multilateral Malacca Straits patrols with other regional partners to promote maritime safety and security.
The transfer of naval vessels to Thailand authorized under section 202 will support enhanced interoperability between the Royal Thai Navy and United States Navy forces. The transfer of such naval vessels underscores the United States commitment to United States-Thai relations and to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.