PM makes maiden visit to Ethiopia

Travel companions: Anwar greeting members of the media joining him on the chartered flight, including ‘The Star’ Chief News Editor Mazwin Nik Anis (right), who will be covering his first official visit to Ethiopia, South Africa and Kenya. — Bernama

ADDIS ABABA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is leading a delegation to Ethiopia to boost bilateral ties and explore economic development and opportunities.

The visit also aims to ­strengthen Malaysia’s relations with the African continent, through the African Union, whose headquarters is in the Ethiopian capital.

The trip marks a historical moment as it is the first time a Malaysian Prime Minister is visiting Ethiopia.

The chartered flight carrying the Prime Minister and his entourage arrived at Bole International Airport at 4.10pm local time (9.10pm Malaysia Time).

In a Facebook post, Anwar said his visits to three African nations – Ethiopia, South Africa and Kenya – will serve as a platform to raise Malaysia’s interest and voice, expand investment and economic opportunities, and strengthen diplomacy and international relations.

“I hope our work will be eased so that the trip yields positive returns, and brings benefits back to the country,” he said.

A list of engagements awaits Anwar during his three-day visit here, including witnessing the signing of several memoranda of understanding.

Among them are the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in health, air services and tourism.

Another MOU will see collaboration between Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Addis Ababa City Administration.

Anwar is scheduled to meet with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali today.

An official welcoming ceremony will be held at the National Palace to honour the Prime Minister’s visit.

Anwar will also hold discussions with Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie as well as African Union Commission chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

While in Addis Ababa, the Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver a special lecture for the Pan-African Youth Union and the Ethiopia Youth Council.

Malaysian Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Ad Interim Mohd Afandi Abu Bakar said the Prime Minister’s visit celebrates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which was established in 1965.

“The visit is expected to open the door for opportunities in various sectors between Malaysia and Ethiopia,” he said.

Mohd Afandi said the reopening of the Malaysian Embassy in Addis Ababa will offer opportunities for the country to improve its relations not just with Ethiopia, but also with the African Union.

The embassy was reopened on Sept 23 following a 42-year hiatus.