Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia

On 28 August 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, held talks with H.E. Mr. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, during his official visit to Ethiopia. The visit marked the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister's first visit to Ethiopia since assuming office. He had previously visited Ethiopia 13 years ago in his capacity as Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

The two sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between Thailand and Ethiopia. In this regard, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations, which will serve as an important mechanism for continuing policy dialogue and the exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The Deputry Prime Minister and Foreign Minster expressed his commitment to advancing the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI) to further deepen relations with Ethiopia and strengthen cooperation with the African Union (AU). Thailand also recognised Africa's growing role and dynamism in the international arena and viewed Africa as an important partner in the Global South.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed Thailand's readiness to support Ethiopia in adding value to its products and raw materials through the application of Thailand's innovation and technology, and agro-processing know how. Thailand also highlighted the potential to link development cooperation with private-sector engagement in order to generate tangible benefits for the people and create economic opportunities conducive to sustainable development. During the visit, a delegation of Thai private-sector representatives will participate in business networking activities with their Ethiopian counterparts.

During this trip, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister announced plans to reopen the Royal Thai Embassy in Addis Ababa, which will further strengthen the mechanisms for advancing Thailand-Ethiopia bilateral relations through closer partnership and concrete cooperation.