H.E. Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited the Federal Republic of Germany during 21-24 February 2024 to attend the 123rd annual meeting of German Asia-Pacific Business Association, or “OAV (Ostasiatischer Verein) Stiftungfest” upon the invitation of OAV Bremen.

The event was held in Bremen, one of 16 states of Germany that has the 2nd highest GDP per capita and outstanding potential in logistics, transportation, and port industries. OAV is a leading business association that has brought together businesses across different industries with interests in the Asia-Pacific region by providing a platform for exchanging knowledge, views and experience, in order to strengthen connection and cooperation between German business sectors and the Asia-Pacific region.

On 23 February 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs delivered a keynote address as guest of honour during the Stiftungsfest dinner at the Bremen Town Hall, emphasising the 162 years of close and longstanding relations and partnership between Thailand - Germany. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Thailand’s policy priorities and goals to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness, as well as its readiness to cooperate with the international community in leading the Asia-Pacific region towards a new growth path and sustainable growth. This is in response to emerging global challenges, be it trade and investment, digitalization, environmental challenges, energy, and seamless connectivity. In addition, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs shared with the participants target areas for cooperation towards the new growth path to ensure green transition and sustainability, free trade and investment, technology, innovation and digital transformation and connectivity.

During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs had opportunities to meet with representatives from the business sector and the state of Bremen to discuss ways toward enhanced economic, trade and investment cooperation between Thailand and Germany.

On 21 February 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs chaired a team Thailand meeting in Berlin, where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs was briefed about team Thailand’s activities and gave policy guidance in order to promote proactive relations with Germany.  

H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, was also in attendance. On 21 February 2024, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs attended the seminar, co-organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), under the theme “Thailand and Germany: Perspectives and Opportunities in the Indo-Pacific”.

KAS is a leading political foundation that provides platform for new vision and perspectives on foreign policy, as well as promotes international cooperation through many activities. Mentioned in the keynote speech, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs reiterated Thailand’s proactive diplomacy and role of ASEAN in maintaining stability and fostering prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, including alignment between the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific and Germany’s Policy Guidelines for the Indo-Pacific. Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to join hands with the international community in tackling challenges under the context of current global political situations.

The visit to Germany provided opportunities to follow-up the outcomes of the Federal President’s Official Visit to Thailand in January 2024 and prepare for the Official Visit of the Prime Minister in March 2024. The frequent exchanges of high-level visits reflect the dynamic relations between Thailand and Germany and shared goals of the two countries towards a “Strategic Partnership”.