Thailand Bolsters African Ties with Nigeria Visit

Thailand is strengthening its political, economic, and development ties with Africa through the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow to Nigeria. In Abuja, he met with Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to discuss bilateral relations and Thailand’s renewed engagement with Africa under the Thailand-Africa framework. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation and agreed to pursue projects in aquaculture technology and sustainable agriculture. Discussions also covered technology transfer, skills development, trade, and investment. Nigeria was Thailand’s second-largest trading partner in Africa in 2025, with bilateral trade valued at approximately US$1.2 billion. Sihasak also met with Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, vice president of the ECOWAS Commission, to discuss closer ties between Thailand, West Africa, and ASEAN. Thailand has appointed Ambassador to Nigeria Thirapath Mongkolnavin as its first permanent representative to the Economic Community of West African States, with potential areas of cooperation including public health, economic development, and knowledge sharing. Furthermore, Sihasak attended the Thailand-Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos on August 27, where Thai businesses explored trade and investment opportunities. He is scheduled to travel to Ethiopia today (August 28) for talks with the African Union, continuing Thailand’s efforts to broaden bilateral and regional engagement across Africa. Source: Thailand Expands Ties With Africa Through Nigeria Visit