In a diplomatic breakthrough announced during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil, Ethiopia and Thailand have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation—placing a spotlight on medical tourism as a promising new frontier.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his Ethiopian counterpart, Gedion Timothewos, reached the understanding in a sideline meeting that highlighted mutual interest in expanding ties. With Thailand’s well-established medical tourism sector and Ethiopia’s growing middle class seeking healthcare alternatives abroad, the agreement signals a concrete step toward structured, people-centered cooperation.

Beyond healthcare, the ministers agreed to broaden engagement in the tourism sector and strengthen joint efforts to combat human trafficking. Minister Maris noted Thailand’s recent success in repatriating 135 Ethiopian nationals who had been lured into forced labor in Myanmar—a shared concern both nations committed to addressing with deeper collaboration.

Reinforcing its outreach to Africa, Thailand also invited Ethiopia to participate in the upcoming Thailand Development Forum for Africa, set to take place in Bangkok from May 11–16. The forum will present Thailand’s development model to 15 African countries, including Ethiopia, aiming to foster investment, trade, and capacity-building partnerships. Minister Gedion welcomed the invitation and expressed interest in learning from Thailand’s progress, especially in areas like healthcare, economic development, and social protection.