Maris: Thailand and Ethiopia Strengthen Ties in Tourism and Medicine, Tackle Human Trafficking Mr. Maris Sngiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, revealed about his visit to Brazil to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that during his visit to the meeting, he had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Gedeon Timoteos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, to discuss opportunities to expand cooperation between the two countries and important issues that Thailand and Ethiopia are currently working on.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Maris expressed satisfaction that Thailand had invited high-level representatives from 15 African countries, including Ethiopia, to participate in the Thailand Development Forum for Africa. This event, set to take place from May 11-16, 2025, in Bangkok, aims to share Thailand’s development model. Ethiopia’s confirmed participation was particularly welcomed, and Mr. Gedion showed interest in learning from Thailand’s experiences, especially in expanding cooperation in the tourism sector, notably medical tourism, which is gaining popularity among Ethiopians.

Furthermore, Mr. Maris highlighted efforts to address the issue of Ethiopian citizens who were misled into working in Myanmar, facilitating their safe return. So far, 135 Ethiopians have been successfully repatriated. Both nations have underscored the importance of this matter and are committed to jointly combating human trafficking.