Nigeria and Thailand Strengthen Bilateral Relations

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated a strategic review of its bilateral relationship with Thailand, aiming to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, technology, commerce, and renewable energy. This initiative was discussed in a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu.

Shettima emphasized the need to elevate Nigeria-Thailand relations beyond traditional trade, identifying agriculture, information and communications technology (ICT), renewable energy, and solid minerals as key sectors for collaboration. He described Nigeria as a strategic gateway to Africa and urged Thailand to enhance its trade and investment engagement.

Yousef Hassan Khalawi, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged Nigeria’s growing digital economy and its significance as a partner in the Global South. The discussions followed Thailand's donation of 12 metric tonnes of rice, valued at approximately $22,000, to support food-insecure communities in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East region.

This review aligns with Nigeria's broader goals of attracting foreign investment and enhancing agricultural productivity.