ETHIOPIAN PM ABIY AHMED TO EMBARK ON FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is set to make his first official visit to Malaysia this week, from Friday (Oct 25) to Saturday (Oct 26).

Since assuming office in April 2018, this visit represents a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

It underscores Malaysia's strategic importance in Ethiopia’s foreign policy and highlights the potential for enhanced collaboration in addressing shared global challenges.

Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Malaysia were established in 1965.

According to a paper published in March 2021 titled Ethiopia Investment and Trade Opportunities: Presented to Malaysian Investors, Ethiopia exported coffee, leather products, and agricultural commodities to Malaysia in 2017, amounting to US$723,616.

In contrast, Ethiopia imported goods from Malaysia worth approximately US$340 million, including sugar, cotton, fatty acid, vegetable oil, paper and paper products, medical equipment, and detergent.

Malaysia is recognised as a significant trade partner and one of the largest investors in Ethiopia.

Xinhua News Agency reported that in 2005, an agreement between the Ethiopian Ministry of Mines (MME) and PETRONAS was signed to establish petroleum exploration and production in Ethiopia.

A report from The Ethiopian Reporter, a private newspaper published in Addis Ababa, indicated that in 2007, PETRONAS and the Ethiopian MME signed a gas development agreement that enabled the company to develop the natural gas reserve in the Calub and Hilala areas in east Ethiopia’s Somali State.

Both countries may be keen on promoting tourism and showcasing their unique attractions.

Ethiopia, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, and Malaysia, celebrated for its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, offer exciting travel opportunities.

Furthermore, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s ‘Connecting with Emigrants: A Global Profile of Diasporas’ – a publication that covers recent migration flows and diasporas from OECD countries – a small Ethiopian diaspora in Malaysia contributes to the multicultural fabric of Malaysian society, actively participating in various professional fields.

This visit may build stronger ties and explore new avenues of cooperation, further solidifying the enduring friendship between Malaysia and Ethiopia.

Notably, Abiy was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2019 for his pivotal role in achieving peace and international cooperation, particularly in resolving the protracted conflict with Eritrea, which lies to the north of Ethiopia.

-- BERNAMA