Abuja: Nigeria and Thailand have reached an agreement to enhance their bilateral relations in key sectors including technology, agriculture, commerce, and renewable energy. This development was announced following a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where Vice President Kashim Shettima engaged with Thailand’s delegation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Vice President Shettima highlighted the existing cordial relationship between the two nations and emphasized the need to expand beyond traditional transactions in crude oil and rice production. He advocated for a strategic review of their bilateral ties, pointing out Nigeria’s potential as a large market with significant opportunities in agriculture, ICT, renewable energy, and solid minerals. He further encouraged Thailand to continue engaging with Nigeria, citing the country’s strategic position on the African continent, its demographic advantage, and rich natural resources.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Yousef Khalawi, who is visiting Africa for the first time, praised the transformations in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He identified Nigeria as a strategic partner and a key player in the global south, describing it as an emerging leader in e-commerce. Khalawi introduced the Thailand-Africa Initiative, a proposed partnership aimed at enhancing economic ties and fostering business and people-to-people relations.
Khalawi also emphasized the importance of economic cooperation in agriculture and expressed interest in leveraging Thailand’s expertise in Universal Health Coverage and Tourism. He reiterated Thailand’s view of Nigeria as a vital partner, not only bilaterally but also as a gateway to strengthening ties with Africa, particularly in West Africa.