PM ANWAR ACCORDED OFFICIAL WELCOME AT ETHIOPIA’S NATIONAL PALACE

From Saraswathi Muniappan

ADDIS ABABA, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was today accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the National Palace, also known as the Jubilee Palace, a historic landmark in the heart of Addis Ababa.

Upon his arrival, Anwar was received by his counterpart, Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, before both leaders walked to the dais, an elevated ceremonial platform.

As Anwar and Abiy Ahmed stood on the dais, the national anthems of Malaysia and Ethiopia were played.

Anwar then inspected the guard of honour and, upon his return to the dais, both leaders observed a march-past by the Guard of Honour and the brass band.

Also present at the ceremony were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Embassy of Malaysia in Ethiopia Chargé d’Affaires (Ad Interim) Mohd Afandi Abu Bakar.

Following the ceremony, both leaders proceeded to the site designated for the Tree of Friendship planting ceremony, where they each planted an oil palm tree provided by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board.

Later, at the Car Museum located within the National Palace grounds, Anwar was shown the collection of cars of Emperor Haile Selassie, including two historic locomotive coaches gifted to the former emperor.

Haile Selassie was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974.

The Prime Minister was also shown memorabilia and the personal collection of the late emperor.

After the ceremony at the National Palace, Anwar and Abiy Ahmed held a four-eye meeting.

Both leaders are also scheduled to hold a joint press conference, and the day’s programme will conclude with an official dinner hosted by Abiy Ahmed.

Anwar’s three-day visit to the “Horn of Africa”, which began on Nov 18, is the first by a Malaysian Prime Minister and is a reciprocal visit following Abiy Ahmed’s trip to Malaysia in October last year.

The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Ethiopia, established in January 1965.

Meanwhile, Anwar said that being accorded a state welcome at Ethiopia’s National Palace, including an inspection of the guard of honour, truly reflected the deep respect and close friendship between the two countries.

“This experience is deeply meaningful, but what stands out even more is the commitment and resolve of Ethiopia’s present leadership to safeguard and fully utilise this historical legacy, ensuring it remains visible, appreciated and studied by future generations so that this remarkable national heritage stays alive, relevant and significant,” he said in a statement here.

-- BERNAMA