PM ANWAR ENDS LANDMARK VISIT TO ETHIOPIA ON HIGH NOTE 

From M. Saraswathi

ADDIS ABABA, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s three-day visit to Ethiopia ended on a high note, marked by productive discussions on potential areas of collaboration that are mutually beneficial.

Malaysia reopened its mission in Addis Ababa on Sept 23, 2025, after a 42-year lapse, reaffirming its intention to strengthen bilateral relations.

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Equally notable was the warm and cordial atmosphere that defined the interactions between Anwar and his counterpart Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali.

“Although the level of trade and investment between us is not sizeable at the moment, we are committed to increasing this,” Anwar told the Malaysian media during an exit press conference. 

Ethiopia was ranked as Malaysia's 26th largest trading partner on the African continent in 2024, with bilateral trade valued at RM625.6 million. Malaysian exports rose by 50 per cent against the previous year to RM579.9 million. 

Malaysia’s exports to Ethiopia comprise mainly electrical and electronic products; palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products; chemical and chemical products; and textiles, apparel, and footwear.

Imports from Ethiopia include agricultural products, transport equipment, and metalliferous ores and metal scrap. The trade balance was in Malaysia’s favour. 

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said Ethiopia’s location on the continent is strategically important for the African market.

The 55-member African Union, set up in July 2002, is headquartered in Addis Ababa. Its role is to encourage international cooperation and to promote the continent’s growth and economic development. It is Africa’s voice on the global stage.

“Ethiopia has a strong influence in Africa because it has a population of 130 million and its economy is growing quite rapidly,” he said. 

On whether the private sector plays a dominant role in Ethiopia’s economy, Anwar said the private sector is essential, and the government provides the necessary assistance to hasten the trade process, which builds confidence.

“That is why there is a huge Malaysian private sector representative presence here,” said.

Earlier, Anwar said both governments will do the necessary to facilitate and expedite economic cooperation at the Ethiopia-Malaysia High Level of Business Forum.

There were 54 participating Ethiopian companies, with 22 from the manufacturing sector and 29 from the services sector, as well as three government agencies. About 200 business representatives, including over 70 from Malaysia, attended the forum.

Anwar praised Ethiopia’s openness during the forum, noting its history of receiving early Muslim migrants. He said such a spirit remains relevant today, particularly in fostering trade and investment cooperation.

He said Ethiopia has shown that a nation’s true strength lies not only in power, but in its willingness to protect and uphold human dignity.

“I carried that same spirit into today’s business forum, emphasising that economic cooperation is not merely about numbers and contracts, but a vehicle for expanding trust, empathy, and shared benefits,” he said.

Besides a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Abiy Ahmed, Anwar also met Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie and African Union Commission chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who is from Djibouti.

Anwar was accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the National Palace, also known as the Jubilee Palace, a historical building located in the heart of Addis Ababa.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Zaliha Mustafa, Malaysian government officials, and a business delegation.

Anwar’s visit to Ethiopia – the first for a Malaysian Prime Minister – started on Nov 18, with the country being his first stop, reciprocating Abiy Ahmed's visit to Malaysia in October last year.

The three-nation African tour will be followed by a working visit to Johannesburg, South Africa, from today until Nov 23 to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit, and to Nairobi, Kenya, from Nov 23-24, before returning to Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA