Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali arrived in Malaysia on 25th October, 2024, friday morning, kicking off a two-day official visit aimed at bolstering the bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and Malaysia. This visit marks Prime Minister Abiy’s first to Malaysia, symbolizing a strategic step forward in the countries’ diplomatic and economic ties. They were warmly received by a delegation of Malaysian officials, including Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, and Datuk Yubazlan Yusof, the Chief of Protocol from Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wisma Putra.
Official Welcome and Guard of Honour
Upon arrival, Prime Minister Abiy was welcomed with a formal ceremony, which included inspecting a guard of honour. The honour guard consisted of 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Capt Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari. The ceremonial welcome reflected the significance that Malaysia places on Abiy’s visit and the potential for deeper collaboration between the two countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia issued a statement underscoring the importance of the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s visit, noting that it is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and open avenues for cooperation across various sectors.
High-Level Talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Following the arrival ceremonies, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proceeded to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital. The official discussions between the two leaders focused on a range of topics, including trade and investment, agriculture, sustainable development, and other areas of mutual interest.
According to the statement from Wisma Putra, “The leaders’ discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, agriculture and commodities, the halal industry, sustainable development, health, tourism, and education. They are also expected to address regional and international issues of mutual concern. A joint press conference will be held after the meeting.”
Enhancing Trade and Economic Cooperation
Malaysia has been Ethiopia’s 26th largest trading partner in Africa, with trade volume between the two countries recorded at RM446.8 million (approximately USD 95 million) in 2023. Malaysia’s exports to Ethiopia include electrical and electronic products, palm oil and related agricultural goods, chemicals, as well as textiles and footwear. The bilateral trade balance has remained in Malaysia’s favour, with Malaysian exports to Ethiopia amounting to RM358.6 million, a notable increase of 24.6 percent compared to the previous year. The discussions between the two leaders are expected to further elevate this trade relationship, creating new opportunities for investment in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. Ethiopia, with its expanding market and growing economy, presents an attractive opportunity for Malaysian businesses looking to diversify their footprint in Africa.
Partnership in the BRICS Bloc
One significant highlight of the discussions was Malaysia’s recent entry into the BRICS bloc as a “partner country.” The BRICS coalition, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include new members such as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Malaysia’s application to join the group was endorsed by Ethiopia during the recent BRICS summit in Russia, a gesture that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged with gratitude during the meeting.
Prime Minister Abiy expressed optimism about Malaysia’s inclusion in the BRICS group, emphasizing its potential to bring new economic opportunities for both nations. “There are plenty of opportunities from both sides,” Abiy remarked during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Anwar. “The discussion was very fruitful towards enhancing our cooperation in all sectors.”
Strengthening Ties in Key Sectors
During their meeting, the two leaders agreed to prioritize collaboration in agriculture, industry, trade, and investment. Both Ethiopia and Malaysia see these sectors as pivotal for economic growth and development. They discussed plans for increased technical cooperation in agricultural innovation, technology transfer, and investment in processing industries. Malaysia’s expertise in palm oil production and the halal industry is expected to complement Ethiopia’s ambitions to expand its agricultural and industrial sectors. The bilateral talks also covered areas such as sustainable development and environmental initiatives, with both countries pledging to work together in addressing climate change and promoting green energy solutions.
Positive Outlook for Future Cooperation
The visit signifies a promising step towards a more robust relationship between Ethiopia and Malaysia with both leaders expressing optimism for expanded partnerships, the trip is seen as a crucial diplomatic endeavor for enhancing economic ties and exploring new areas of cooperation. The outcome of the bilateral talks and agreements reached during the visit will likely set the stage for future engagements, benefiting both nations in a rapidly changing global economic landscape. Prime Minister Abiy’s visit to Malaysia is part of Ethiopia’s broader effort to deepen its connections with key partners in Southeast Asia, tapping into new markets and strengthening diplomatic ties. As Malaysia looks to broaden its influence in the BRICS bloc and beyond, its partnership with Ethiopia serves as a testament to the growing importance of Africa-Asia relations in the global arena.
