Thailand Participates in the OSCE Permanent Council Meeting on the occasion of the Inauguration of Switzerland’s 2026 Chairpersonship

On 15 January 2026 – H.E. Ms. Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to Austria participated in the 1,548th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, held in Vienna, marking the inauguration of Switzerland’s Chairpersonship of the OSCE for 2026.

The meeting was addressed by H.E. Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor and Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, in his capacity as the new OSCE Chairman-in-Office, who presented Switzerland’s priorities for its Chairpersonship. These include actively contributing to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, strengthening the OSCE as a platform for inclusive dialogue, preserving the spirit of Helsinki, and enhancing the Organization’s ability to act effectively in times of crisis.

In her statement, Ambassador Hongtong congratulated Switzerland on assuming the OSCE Chairpersonship and expressed Thailand’s appreciation for Switzerland’s strong emphasis on dialogue, trust, and cooperative security at a time of heightened challenges to the European security order. She underscored the importance of preserving the Helsinki spirit as a pragmatic foundation for stability and multilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Hongtong reiterated, as an Asian Partner for Co-operation, Thailand’s readiness to work closely with the Swiss Chairpersonship, participating States, and relevant partners. She also highlighted Thailand’s intention to cooperate with Finland and the OSCE Secretariat in organizing the 2026 OSCE Asian Conference, which Thailand aims to host in Bangkok towards the end of May 2026.