During 30 November - 1 December 2023, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, led the Thai Delegation to the 30th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Skopje, North Macedonia. This year's Ministerial Council, which is the OSCE's highest-level annual meeting, was attended by Foreign Ministers and high-level representatives from 68 OSCE Participating States, as well as Asian and Mediterranean Partner States. The Vice Minister delivered remarks highlighting Thailand’s stance, as an Asian Partner for Co-operation of the OSCE, in the Plenary Session and the High-Level Troika with Asian Partners for Co-operation.

In his remarks, the Vice Minister highlighted the importance of placing people at front and centre of all conflict resolution efforts as conflicts cause direct impacts on human security, and food and energy security. He also shared his outlook on global conflicts and pointed out Thailand’s perspective on fostering peace and human development.

First of all, he expressed support for renewal of joint commitment to multilateralism, given the erosion of trust in multilateral bodies, through UN reform including that of the UNSC to make them more representative and effective in delivering its mandate for global peace, security, and development.

The Head of the Thai delegation then underlined a need to enhance cross-regional dialogue and cooperation, especially between ASEAN and OSCE, as both are central to the security architecture of Asia and Europe. As the only ASEAN member in the OSCE, Thailand stands ready to facilitate increased interactions and collaboration, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and climate change.

In closing, Vice Foreign Minister underscored the shared responsibility for the future of peace and security, and reiterating Thailand's readiness to work with the OSCE to ensure the continued relevance and role of the organization as a platform for achieving effective, robust multilateralism and comprehensive security for the people.  

On the margins of the 30th OSCE Ministerial Conference, he also met with Foreign Ministers of North Macedonia and Israel , Deputy Foreign Ministers of Türkiye and Japan, as well as other representatives from South Korea, Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Finland, Germany, Norway, Mongolia, Malta, Poland, Turkmenistan, seeking closer bilateral and inter-regional cooperation as well as support for Thailand’s 2025-2027 Human Rights Council Candidature.

The OSCE is a consultative forum that focuses on enhancing preventive diplomacy and early warning systems to settle and prevent conflicts and crises in Europe. The OSCE's mandate is to promote a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental and human aspects. Thailand values the OSCE as an open policy space for the exchange of experiences and best practices in security-related matters, which are valuable confidence- and security-building measures (CSBMs) between nations.