On 21 February 2024, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, gave a keynote speech in the seminar entitled “Thailand and Germany: Perspectives and Opportunities in the Indo-Pacific” organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, in Berlin, Germany.

VFM highlighted the importance of the Indo-Pacific during the current geopolitical tension and other global challenges. He pointed out opportunities in the region, especially economic potential, as well as challenges and ways to handle the challenges. In this regard, security is one of the main challenges due to the geopolitical competition of the major powers. Thus, VFM suggested that the promotion of cooperation through regional frameworks, such as ASEAN, is one of the effective approaches to handle the challenges.

Afterwards, VFM participated in the seminar entitled “How Will Germany and Thailand Use Foreign and Security Strategies to Engage with ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific” with Mrs. Petra Sigmund, Director-General of Asia-Pacific Department of Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Mr. Felix Heidux, Head of Asia Research Division, German Institute for International and Security Affairs, and Mr. Gunther Krichbaum, Member of Parliament from CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group.