Nigeria and Thailand Agree to Expand Strategic Bilateral Ties

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Yousef Hassan Khalawi met at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on August 26, 2026, to deepen bilateral relations. The two leaders agreed to move beyond traditional trade in crude oil and rice to expand cooperation in technology, commerce, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Shettima called for a strategic review of existing partnerships to attract investment in Nigeria's solid minerals and ICT sectors, while leveraging Thailand's expertise in intermediate agricultural technology. He noted that Nigeria represents a large market with a young workforce capable of supporting these partnerships.

During the talks, Khalawi introduced the Thailand-Africa Initiative, a framework intended to boost economic ties, tourism, and universal health coverage across key African nations. Khalawi described Nigeria as a strategic partner and a critical window for Thailand to strengthen its engagement with West Africa and the Global South.