Nigeria, Thailand Pledge Strategic Partnership to Boost Africa-Asia Cooperation

N Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a strategic level, with a focus on fostering broader Africa-Asia cooperation. The commitment was reached during a high-level meeting in Bangkok between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Tuggar proposed that Thailand serve as a bridge between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), envisioning a future ASEAN-ECOWAS Summit to deepen regional collaboration.

Both sides discussed enhancing trade, including Nigeria’s crude oil exports and Thailand’s rice and machinery exports, as well as expanding educational ties through scholarship programmes for Nigerian students. They also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation, such as agro-processing, renewable energy, manufacturing, and information and communication technology (ICT).

On security matters, Minister Tuggar emphasized the need for joint efforts against transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking, proposing increased intelligence-sharing and joint training exercises. To consolidate the partnership, he called for the swift conclusion of pending bilateral agreements on trade, investment, and cultural exchange, and the establishment of a high-level joint commission.

The meeting concluded with Nigeria reaffirming Thailand as a strategic partner in Asia and extending an invitation for reciprocal high-level visits.