Germany's new ambassador pleased with strong and growing bilateral ties
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- NEW German Ambassador to Thailand Peter Wittig hailed the 150-year ties between Germany and the Kingdom, expressing his satisfaction that the friendship and relations are constantly growing.

"Thailand is - for the EU and especially for Germany a partner with whom we share common interests and values and a longstanding friendship in good and difficult times. And as Thailand is currently undergoing a difficult political transformation, we hope to see your country return to a democratic process as soon as possible and stand ready to assist Thailand as a friend in this endeavour," he said in his speech delivered at the reception to commemorate the 25th year of Germany Unity, which falls on October 3.

He stressed the success of Thai-German economic cooperation. Today, Germany is Thailand's largest trading partner in Europe with more than 600 German companies successfully doing business in Thailand. Cooperation projects cover a wide range of issues with a special focus on vocational training, environmental protection and economic sustainability.

Relations are also strong in the cultural, scientific and educational fields, as Germany is popular among Thai students. Meanwhile, Thailand is a major destination for German tourists. Today, more than 30,000 Germans are working and residing permanently in Thailand.

On this occasion, he reiterated Germany's commitment to the European Union's solidarity and to find solutions for international and global challenges. He mentioned the conflict in Ukraine, the war in Syria, the terror of the Islamic State as well as the most recent refugee crisis in Europe and elsewhere.

"[They] have shown that we live not only in an ever more interdependent but also in a more fragile world. Never, since the end of World War II, have we seen more conflicts than today with so many people deprived of fundamental rights and basic needs," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Germanys-new-ambassador-pleased-with-strong-and-gr-30270087.html

-- The Nation 2015-10-03

"Never, since the end of World War II, have we seen more conflicts than today with so many people deprived of fundamental rights and basic needs,"

A very notable reminder by Ambassador Wittig.

"Never, since the end of World War II, have we seen more conflicts than today with so many people deprived of fundamental rights and basic needs,"

A very notable reminder by Ambassador Wittig.

well said His excellency, in deed.

Merkel: "Well, now that we're friends, we're wondering if you can take a few 10s of thousands 'Syrian Migrants' off our hands."