Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets with President of the East-West Center

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets with President of the East-West Center

On 6 July 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Ms. Celeste A. Connors, President of the East-West Center (EWC), on the occasion of his official visit to Hawaii. He also visited the Royal Sala Thai, which was dedicated to the East-West Center by Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother on 6 June 1967.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored Hawaii's importance as a linkage between the United States and Asia. He expressed appreciation for the important role that EWC continues to play in deepening relations and promoting people-to-people ties between Thailand and the United States, particularly the exchange of knowledge. Currently, EWC has more than 4,000 Thai alumni.

EWC President expressed her condolences on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita. EWC President welcomed the longstanding cooperation between EWC and Thailand for over 60 years. She also recognized Thailand's constructive role in the region and ASEAN. EWC President expressed the Center's readiness to enhance cooperation with Thailand in mutually beneficial areas, such as economic security, and cooperation between EWC and the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA). On this occasion, EWC President expressed appreciation for Thailand's contributions to the renovation of the Royal Sala Thai that symbolizes the longstanding cooperation between Thailand and EWC.

Both sides discussed ways to further strengthen the Thailand - U.S. alliance and strategic partnership in today's context, such as combating online scams, capacity building in cybersecurity, and fostering the network of a new generation of leaders, as well as exploring a Track 1.5 seminar to provide policy recommendations for their respective governments.