H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to pay an official visit to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia during 25 - 29 August 2026 and meet with high-level representatives to promote Thailand’s engagement with Africa across all dimensions under the Thailand–Africa Initiative (TAI). The visit also aims to advance the Government’s economic diplomacy agenda by enhancing trade and investment cooperation with key emerging markets in Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ethiopia.

During the visit to Nigeria, the Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with H.E. Mr. Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, H.E. Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, and Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja. He will also lead a Thai business delegation to attend the Thailand–Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos.

In Ethiopia, the Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with H.E. Mr. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, as well as a high-level representative of the African Union Commission. He will also host a reception to relaunch the TAI policy to members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the public and private sectors, and international organizations based in Ethiopia. He will also lead a Thai business delegation to attend the Thailand - Ethiopia: Building Business Bridges event in Addis Ababa, which aims to foster networking and strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors of the two countries.

This official visit to Nigeria and Ethiopia marks the inaugural official visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to the African continent, reflecting the Thai Government’s commitment to advancing strategic initiatives and elevating bilateral relations with its partners in Africa.