Abuja: H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, is set to visit the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia from 25 to 29 August 2026. This official trip aims to bolster Thailand’s involvement with Africa under the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI) and to advance economic diplomacy by enhancing trade and investment ties with Nigeria and Ethiopia.
According to African Press Organization, during his visit to Nigeria, Mr. Phuangketkeow will engage with key figures including 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 ECOWAS Commission, in Abuja. Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister will lead a Thai business delegation at 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, and a high-level representative of the African Union Commission. He will host a reception to relaunch the TAI policy for members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from public and private sectors, and international organizations in Ethiopia. Furthermore, Mr. Phuangketkeow will lead a Thai business delegation at the Thailand-Ethiopia: Building Business Bridges event in Addis Ababa, aiming to foster networking and strengthen cooperation between the two nations’ public and private sectors.
This visit marks Mr. Phuangketkeow’s first official visit to the African continent, underscoring the Thai Government’s dedication to enhancing strategic partnerships and elevating bilateral relations with African nations.