Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali Receives Royal Welcome in Malaysia
Official Welcoming Ceremony Held at Perdana Putra Building
Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali attended an official welcoming ceremony at the Perdana Putra Building in Putrajaya today, marking the beginning of his two-day official visit to Malaysia. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other high-ranking government officials.
Guard of Honour Inspection
Abiy inspected a guard of honour mounted by three officers and 103 members of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, a traditional symbol of respect and dignity. The national anthems of both countries were played prior to the inspection.
Maiden Visit to Malaysia
This is Abiy’s maiden visit to Malaysia since taking office in April 2018. He arrived in the country yesterday and was received by First Lady Zinash Tayachew Bere and his delegation at Kompleks Bunga Raya, Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 8:30 am.
Meetings and Discussions
Abiy and Anwar then departed for Seri Perdana for a four-eyed meeting to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The discussions are expected to focus on trade and investment, agriculture and commodities, the halal industry, sustainable development, health, tourism, and education. A joint press conference is scheduled to be held afterwards.
Trade between Malaysia and Ethiopia
According to statistics, Ethiopia was Malaysia’s 26th largest trading partner in the African continent in 2023, with a trade balance in Malaysia’s favour. The trade between the two countries was recorded at RM446.8 million, with Malaysia’s exports to Ethiopia amounting to RM358.6 million, an increase of 24.6% compared to the previous year. Malaysia’s exports to Ethiopia include electrical and electronic products, palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, chemicals and chemical-based products, as well as textiles, clothing, and footwear.
Conclusion
The official welcoming ceremony and subsequent meetings between Prime Minister Abiy and Prime Minister Anwar underscore the strong bilateral relations between Malaysia and Ethiopia. The discussions on trade and investment, agriculture, and other areas of mutual interest are expected to strengthen the ties between the two nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is the purpose of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy’s visit to Malaysia?
+ Abiy is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
* What is the focus of the discussions during Abiy’s meeting with Prime Minister Anwar?
+ The discussions will focus on trade and investment, agriculture and commodities, the halal industry, sustainable development, health, tourism, and education.
* What is the current trade balance between Malaysia and Ethiopia?
+ The trade balance is in Malaysia’s favour, with Malaysia’s exports to Ethiopia amounting to RM358.6 million, an increase of 24.6% compared to the previous year.