By Miwodew Muluye
Addis Ababa (AMECO)-In an era marked by shifting global dynamics and evolving economic landscapes, a significant diplomatic movement has gathered momentum in the political and diplomatic heart of Africa.Gathered in Addis Ababa—the seat of the African Union and a historic crossroads of international diplomacy—high-level representatives from Thailand, Ethiopia, and African Union convened to mark a pivotal milestone in Inter-Regional and South-South cooperation: the formal relaunch of the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI).
Opening the proceedings, Ms. Jirusaya Biramanda, Ambassador Designate of Thailand to Ethiopia, framed the gathering in Addis Ababa not merely as a venue choice, but as a deliberate statement of strategic intent.
“Addis Ababa is a meaningful place for Thailand to reaffirm its commitment to deeper engagement with Africa, since the city is at the heart of African diplomacy and multilateralism,” Ambassador Designate Biramanda noted, emphasizing the city’s role as the headquarters of the African Union where the continent’s shared aspirations and priorities are forged.
“For Thailand, holding this event here sends a simple but important message: we want to engage with Africa not from a distance, but from within the continent and in partnership with its institutions and people.”
Biramanda highlighted that despite geographic distance, Thailand and African nations share profound common ground, from peace, stability, and sustainable development to food security, health, and climate action.
A Vision of Thirteen Years in the Making
Taking his turn, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, brought a deeply personal and strategic perspective to the occasion. Thirteen years prior, as Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, Phuangketkeow had personally initiated the original Thailand-Africa Initiative. Reflecting on his return, he highlighted the remarkable transformation visible across the host country, Ethiopia, and the broader continent.
“Thirteen years ago, I initiated the Thailand-Africa Initiative because we wanted to reach out to Africa—a region full of potential,” Deputy Prime Minister Phuangketkeow reflected, citing the rapid pace of progress and modernization seen upon his arrival at Addis Ababa’s international airport and across its bustling metropolis.
“So much has changed. The pace of progress is amazing. At the same time, the world itself is changing. The rules-based international order is being challenged; international cooperation, on which we all depend, is being undermined.”
In the face of global trade disruptions and geopolitical shifts, Phuangketkeow outlined Thailand’s commitment to a partnership built on genuine South-South cooperation rather than traditional extractive models.
“By coming to Africa, we have to come the right way. We are not coming only to sell, sell, and sell. We are not coming to exploit your resources. We want to contribute to your development,” he affirmed. “Thailand was once a recipient country, receiving assistance. Now we have graduated, and we want to offer assistance—not so much in terms of funding, but through training, expertise, and sharing both our successes and failures.”
Ethiopia’s Perspective: Shared Values and Mutual Growth
Responding on behalf of the host nation, Ambassador Dewano Kedir, Director-General of Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Affairs at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, warmly welcomed the initiative and emphasized the long-standing alignment between Thailand and African nations.
“The relationship between Thailand and Africa has a long history, as it is known, and we share so many common values, concerns, and aspirations,” Ambassador Dewano stated. He pointed to key convergence areas, including economic diversification, climate resilience, human capital, trade, investment, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Highlighting Africa’s strategic trajectory under Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ambassador Dewano outlined how Thailand’s concrete strengths match Africa’s developmental goals:
“Africa today is a rising continent with so many opportunities. We are building an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa… At the same time, Thailand has accumulated valuable experience, especially in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, digital innovation, and SMEs.”
“Therefore, I believe that the Thailand-Africa partnership should be based on mutual benefit, shared prosperity, knowledge exchange, and practical cooperation,” Dewano concluded, identifying key sectors for expanded collaboration including medical tourism, skill development, technology transfer, and combatting human trafficking.
Building Bridges for a Shared Future
As the relaunch concluded, the shared sentiment among delegates was clear: the renewed Thailand-Africa Initiative represents more than policy on paper—it is an active bridge connecting Southeast Asia and the African continent. Through shared development experience, technical cooperation, and deepened diplomatic engagement, both sides are stepping forward to shape a balanced and prosperous global future.
