Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali has arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. His arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport was met with a warm welcome from Malaysian officials, setting the stage for discussions on various collaborative opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- First Official Visit: This marks Dr. Abiy's first visit to Malaysia.
- Strengthening Relations: The visit aims to enhance ties in trade, investment, and other sectors.
- Bilateral Discussions: Key topics include agriculture, health, tourism, and education.
Arrival and Reception
Dr. Abiy's aircraft landed at Kompleks Bunga Raya at 8:30 AM, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew Bere and a delegation. He was greeted by Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, along with the Chief of Protocol from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Yubazlan Yusof.
Upon arrival, Dr. Abiy inspected a guard of honor formed by 28 officers from the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment, led by Captain Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari.
Official Meetings
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Dr. Abiy will be welcomed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in an official ceremony. Following this, a bilateral meeting will take place to discuss various topics, including:
- Trade and Investment
- Agriculture and Commodities
- Halal Industry
- Sustainable Development
- Health
- Tourism
- Education
The leaders are also expected to address regional and international issues of mutual concern. A joint press conference will be held after the meeting to share insights from their discussions.
Economic Ties
Ethiopia is currently Malaysia's 26th largest trading partner in Africa, with a trade balance favoring Malaysia. In 2023, trade between the two nations reached RM446.8 million, with Malaysian exports to Ethiopia totaling RM358.6 million, reflecting a 24.6% increase from the previous year.
Key Exports from Malaysia to Ethiopia
- Electrical and Electronic Products
- Palm Oil and Palm Oil-Based Agricultural Products
- Chemicals and Chemical-Based Products
- Textiles, Clothing, and Footwear
This visit is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual benefits in various sectors, further solidifying the relationship between Malaysia and Ethiopia.
