ADDIS ABABA – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has paid two- day first state visit to Malaysia aimed at further advancing the efforts to enhance Malaysia-Ethiopia relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced.
In a statement posted on X, MoFA stated that Prime Minister Abiy, accompanied by his delegation including First Lady Zinash Tayachew and Foreign Minister Gedion Timotiwoes, arrived yesterday in Malaysia-Kuala Lumpur.
Followed by a bilateral meeting, the Premier and his delegation was welcomed by Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, according to Malaysia Foreign Affairs statement.
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, as reported by Malaysian daily-Bernma.
“Both leaders are expected to discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern. The official visit will further add to the ongoing efforts in enhancing relations between Malaysia and Ethiopia,” Malaysia Foreign Affairs said.
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 446.8 million Malaysian currency-RM, with exports favoring Malaysia with a 24.6 percent increase from the previous year.
Ethiopia imports electrical and electronic products from Malaysia, palm oil and palm oil-related agricultural products, textiles, apparels and footwear, it was stated.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2024
