ETHIOPIAN PM ABIY AHMED’S FIRST MALAYSIA VISIT TO BOOST BILATERAL TRADE AND COOPERATION

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 24 (Bernama) –Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali's inaugural visit to Malaysia from Oct 25 to 26 is aimed at further advancing the efforts to enhance Malaysia-Ethiopia relations.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, said Abiy, who was appointed as Ethiopia’s Prime Minister in April 2018, will be received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in an official welcoming ceremony, followed by a bilateral meeting.

“The discussion between the two leaders will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture and commodities, halal industry, sustainable development, health, tourism, and education.

“Both leaders are also expected to discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern. A joint press conference will be held following the bilateral meeting.

“The official visit will further add to the ongoing efforts in enhancing relations between Malaysia and Ethiopia,” the statement read. 

Abiy will be accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew Bere, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Gedion Timotheos, cabinet ministers, and senior officials of the Ethiopian government.

Ethiopia ranked as Malaysia's 26th largest trading partner in the African continent in 2023. The value of bilateral trade between Malaysia and Ethiopia stood at RM446.8 million, with exports from Malaysia to Ethiopia valued at RM358.6 million, representing a 24.6 per cent increase from the previous year.

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

In 2023, the trade balance was in Malaysia’s favour.

--BERNAMA