On 26 August 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in Abuja, on the occasion of his official visit to Nigeria.

The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the Thai Government’s commitment to strengthening relations with Africa through the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI), which encompasses cooperation in the political, economic and development dimensions, as well as global strategic cooperation. Thailand recognises Nigeria’s important role in the Global South and as Thailand’s strategic partner.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted Thailand’s efforts to further enhance cooperation with West Africa, including the appointment of the Ambassador of Thailand to Nigeria as Ambassador of Thailand to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as bringing Thai private-sector representatives to Lagos to explore economic opportunities and strengthen business connection between the two countries.

The Deputy Prime Minister also underscored the importance of South-South Cooperation, noting Thailand’s readiness to share its experience, knowledge and technology to support Nigeria in strengthening its economic capacity and moving towards higher-value activities. Such efforts would build on existing capacity-building and development cooperation projects, which constitute an important pillar of the TAI and provide a foundation for further Thailand - Nigeria cooperation.

Both sides recognised opportunities to expand cooperation in various areas, including agriculture, agro-processing, digital technology and renewable energy. They noted that Thailand’s strengths and expertise in technology, and knowledge and experience in the agriculture and food processing sectors could be further adapted to contribute to Nigeria’s greater productive capacity.

Thailand and Nigeria will commemorate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027.