Nigeria and Thailand have pledged to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic level, with cooperation spanning politics, economy, and culture. This commitment was made during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, on the sidelines of the Thailand-Africa Initiative in Bangkok.
Tuggar congratulated his Thailand counterpart on his appointment and conveyed condolences on recent national losses, including the passing of Her Majesty The Queen Mother and victims of natural disasters. He expressed appreciation for the cordial Nigeria-Thailand relations and emphasised Nigeria’s desire to elevate the partnership to a strategic level across political, economic, and cultural spheres.
Both sides acknowledged past high-level visits and agreed to sustain momentum through reciprocal exchanges. The Minister noted that Nigeria welcomed Thailand’s outreach to Africa under the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI) and proposed joint projects aligned with Nigeria’s priorities.
The Minister encouraged Thailand to foster ASEAN-ECOWAS collaboration, with the long-term vision of an ASEAN-ECOWAS Summit. The HMFA highlighted Nigeria’s crude oil exports and Thailand’s rice and machinery exports, proposing diversification through agro-processing and energy ventures.
Opportunities for defence industry collaboration, knowledge transfer, and investment in agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, and renewable energy were underscored, with Nigeria offering incentives and access to its large consumer market. Ambassador Tuggar commended Thailand’s scholarships and training support, requesting expansion for Nigerian students and professionals.
The ongoing Sustainable Agricultural Technology Development Project was praised, with proposals to scale up and deepen joint research in sustainable farming. Both countries reaffirmed their BRICS partnership and discussed reciprocal support within its frameworks.
Nigeria stressed cooperation against transnational crime, including drugs and human trafficking, and proposed intelligence-sharing and joint training. Regional issues were addressed, with Nigeria sharing perspectives on the Sahel, Myanmar, and Thailand-Cambodia border stability.
Nigeria urged expedited conclusion of pending bilateral agreements in trade, investment, agriculture, education, and cultural exchange, with a view to establishing a Joint or Bi-National Commission. Consular cooperation was emphasized, including protection of Nigerian nationals, streamlined visa processes, and reciprocal facilitation for Thai citizens.
Nigeria also proposed stronger collaboration between TICA and Nigerian agencies, including pilot projects in rural development and SME empowerment. The Honourable Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Thailand and extended an invitation for reciprocal visits.
He emphasised that Nigeria regards Thailand as a strategic partner in Asia and looks forward to a mutually beneficial relationship.