Nigeria, Thailand Deepen Relations, Set Sights on Strategic Partnership

Nigeria and Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to elevate their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership covering political, economic, and cultural cooperation. This resolve emerged 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, held on the sidelines of the Thailand-Africa Initiative in Bangkok.

Tuggar congratulated the Thai Minister on his appointment and conveyed condolences over recent national losses in Thailand, including the passing of Her Majesty The Queen Mother and casualties from natural disasters. He expressed gratitude for the warm relations between both countries and reiterated Nigeria’s intention to advance the partnership to a strategic level across key sectors.

The two ministers acknowledged previous high-level engagements and agreed to sustain the momentum through reciprocal visits. Tuggar noted Nigeria’s support for Thailand’s outreach to Africa under the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI) and proposed collaborative projects aligned with Nigeria’s development goals.

He further encouraged Thailand to promote ASEAN-ECOWAS cooperation, envisioning a future ASEAN-ECOWAS Summit. Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s crude oil exports and Thailand’s rice and machinery exports, proposing diversification through agro-processing and energy sector collaboration.

Both countries discussed prospects for defence industry cooperation, capacity-building, and investments in agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Nigeria emphasised its incentives and sizeable market as key attractions. Tuggar also appreciated Thailand’s scholarship and training programmes and requested expanded opportunities for Nigerian students and professionals.

He commended the ongoing Sustainable Agricultural Technology Development Project, proposing its expansion as well as deeper joint research efforts on sustainable agriculture. The two sides reaffirmed their collaboration within the BRICS framework and considered mutual support on related issues.

Nigeria emphasised partnership in combating transnational crimes such as drug trafficking and human trafficking, proposing intelligence sharing and joint training. Tuggar also shared Nigeria’s perspectives on regional matters including the Sahel, Myanmar, and stability along the Thailand-Cambodia border.

He urged swift finalisation of pending bilateral agreements spanning trade, investment, agriculture, education, and cultural exchange, with consideration for establishing a Joint or Bi-National Commission. Enhanced consular cooperation was also highlighted, including protection of Nigerian nationals, streamlined visa procedures, and corresponding facilitation for Thai citizens.

Nigeria proposed stronger collaboration between TICA and Nigerian institutions, including pilot programmes targeting rural development and SME empowerment. Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to strengthen ties with Thailand and extended an invitation for future reciprocal visits.

He emphasised that Nigeria views Thailand as a strategic partner in Asia and looks forward to promoting a partnership that delivers tangible, mutual benefits.