OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier and Secretary General Zannier offer sympathies over death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand

VIENNA, 13 October 2016 - OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today expressed condolences to the Royal Family and the People of Thailand on the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

“For seven decades, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has shaped the fate of Thailand. The news of his death has filled me with great sorrow. King Bhumibol has incessantly engaged for peace and the prosperity of the People of Thailand which earned him their remarkable devotion.  The world has lost an outstanding monarch and a head of state whose importance reached far beyond Asia,” said Steinmeier.

Secretary General Zannier visited Thailand in June this year when the country hosted the 2016 OSCE Asian Conference. “His Majesty King Bhumibol’s leadership and devotion to peace and security have strongly influenced Thailand’s constructive role in international affairs. His legacy will be remembered and cherished both in the Kingdom of Thailand and around the world.”

Thailand joined the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation in 2000.