Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali has successfully wrapped up a two-day official visit to Malaysia, marking his first trip to the Southeast Asian nation since taking office. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and explore opportunities for collaboration across various sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali's visit included discussions on trade, agriculture, and investment.
- Malaysia is Ethiopia's 26th largest trading partner in Africa.
- The trade balance favors Malaysia, with significant exports in electronics and palm oil.
Arrival and Ceremonial Welcome
Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew Bere, arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on October 25, 2023. Upon arrival, he was greeted by Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, and other officials. The Prime Minister inspected a guard of honor, showcasing the ceremonial welcome that marked the significance of this visit.
Bilateral Meetings and Discussions
On the final day of his visit, Dr. Abiy engaged in a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in several key areas, including:
- Trade and Investment: Both leaders emphasized the importance of increasing trade volumes and exploring new investment opportunities.
- Agriculture: Collaborative efforts in agricultural development were highlighted, given the significance of this sector in both nations.
- Sustainable Development: The leaders discussed initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices in various industries.
Economic Ties and Trade Balance
Ethiopia ranks as Malaysia's 26th largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade recorded at RM446.8 million in 2023. Notably, Malaysia's exports to Ethiopia reached RM358.6 million, reflecting a 24.6% increase from the previous year. Key exports include:
- Electrical and Electronic Products
- Palm Oil and Related Agricultural Products
- Chemicals and Chemical-Based Products
- Textiles, Clothing, and Footwear
This growing trade relationship underscores the potential for further economic collaboration between the two nations.
Departure and Future Prospects
After a successful visit, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali departed Malaysia on October 26, 2023, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight. He received a ceremonial send-off, which included a guard of honor, symbolizing the warm relations established during his visit.
The discussions held during this visit are expected to pave the way for future collaborations, enhancing the partnership between Ethiopia and Malaysia in various sectors. As both nations look to strengthen their ties, the outcomes of this visit may lead to increased trade and investment opportunities in the coming years.
