Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to explore deeper bilateral cooperation in technology, agriculture, renewable energy, commerce and other strategic sectors.
The commitment emerged during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and a delegation from the Kingdom of Thailand led by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima said Nigeria was seeking a strategic review of its existing relationship with Thailand, with a focus on expanding cooperation beyond traditional areas of engagement.
He said Nigeria was particularly interested in leveraging Thailand’s experience in deploying intermediate technology in agriculture and related sectors.
The Vice President highlighted opportunities for partnership and investment in agriculture, ICT, renewable energy and solid minerals, citing Nigeria’s large market, young population and abundant natural resources.
Thailand Proposes Africa Initiative
Thailand, meanwhile, is proposing a Thailand-Africa Initiative aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, business relations and people-to-people ties between the Asian country and key African nations.
Phuangketkeow described Nigeria as a strategic bilateral partner and an important gateway for strengthening Thailand’s relationship with Africa, particularly West Africa.
He said the proposed initiative would focus on expanding economic cooperation, especially in agriculture, while also exploring opportunities in areas where Thailand has developed expertise, including universal health coverage and tourism.
The Thai Deputy Prime Minister, who was on his first official trip to Africa, also described Nigeria as an important voice in the Global South and an emerging force in e-commerce.
Focus on Technology and Investment
The renewed engagement places technology and innovation among the key areas identified for stronger cooperation between both countries.
Nigeria is seeking to attract greater investment and technical partnerships as it expands its digital economy, renewable energy sector and agricultural value chains.
Shettima urged Thailand to deepen business engagement with Nigeria, stressing the country’s strategic position in Africa and its potential as a major market for investment.
The meeting signals a possible expansion of Nigeria-Thailand relations into sectors that could support technology transfer, economic development and new investment opportunities.
What’s Next?
Both countries are expected to review their existing areas of cooperation and explore new frameworks for partnerships in technology, agriculture, renewable energy and other sectors of mutual economic interest.