On 28 August 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Taye Atske Selassie, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa, during his official visit to Ethiopia, marking his first visit to Africa since assuming office.

The two sides welcomed the longstanding relations between Thailand and Ethiopia and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister underscored Thailand’s commitment to advancing the Thailand - Africa Initiative (TAI) to deepen relations with Ethiopia, an important partner of Thailand in the Global South. Both sides agreed that high-level exchanges, economic cooperation, development cooperation, and global strategic cooperation—the four pillars of the TAI—would serve as key drivers of the partnership between the two countries.

Both sides recognised the potential to expand cooperation in trade, investment, medical and wellness tourism, and development cooperation. Thailand expressed its readiness to promote Thai private-sector investment in Ethiopia, including efforts to add value to agricultural products through technology, innovation, and processing know how. Thailand stands ready to share development experience and expertise with a view to linking development cooperation with sustainable economic opportunities.

During this trip, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister highlighted Thailand’s plan to reopen the Royal Thai Embassy in Addis Ababa in the near future to strengthen bilateral mechanisms and further advance Thailand - Ethiopia relations through closer partnership and concrete cooperation.