On 28 August 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, presides over the relaunching of the Thailand - Africa Initiative (TAI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, and local media. H.E. Ambassador Dewano Kedir Haji, Director-General of the Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, also delivered remarks expressing support for the TAI policy.

Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening its role as an important strategic partner of Africa, in line with the TAI which encompasses four key pillars: political, economic, development, and global strategic cooperation. He appreciated this opportunity to undertake an official visit to Ethiopia and relaunch TAI in Addis Ababa, considered to be the political and diplomatic capital of Africa as it is home to the headquarters of the African Union (AU).

He also emphasized the importance of increasing engagement between Thailand and the African region through regional organizations in Africa, including through Thailand’s role as a bridge between ASEAN and Africa, while building business networks and trade opportunities, as well as strengthening development cooperation, especially in agriculture, health, and tourism. He highlighted opportunities to play a proactive role in advancing shared priorities for developing countries as members of the Global South, such as sustainable development, addressing climate change, responding to pandemics, and combatting transnational crimes, including online scams.

Thailand first announced its TAI policy in 2013 and in December 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs relaunched the TAI to reaffirm Thailand’s partnership with the African region, including during this visit to Africa to promote and strengthen cooperation in advancing the shared interests of developing countries amid the current geopolitical landscape.