Cobra Gold war game, the largest annual military training exercise in the Pacific region launched by the United States, began in Rayong province of Thailand on February 1.

The 11-days event will see soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen from Thailand , Japan , Indonesia , Singapore and the Republic of Korea , take part in exercises focusing on joint peacekeeping operations, humanitarian messionsand disaster response.

"The US continues to view this exercise as an important symbol of US military commitment to maintaining peace and security in Asia,” said Ambassador Eric G. John at the opening ceremony,

He welcomed the first time participation of the Republic of Korea in the event in its 29th year./.