Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, with First Lady Zinash Tayachew Bere, inspecting the guard of honour at Kompleks Bunga Raya on Oct 25. – BERNAMApic
SEPANG: Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali arrived in Malaysia Friday (Oct 25) to begin a two-day official visit, his first to the country.
Abiy's visit aims to strengthen relations between the two nations.
The aircraft carrying Abiy, First Lady Zinash Tayachew Bere and his delegation landed at Kompleks Bunga Raya, Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 8.30am.
Among those present to welcome him were Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, and Foreign Ministry chief of protocol Datuk Yubazlan Yusof.
Upon his arrival, Abiy inspected a guard of honour formed by 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Capt Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari.
In a statement, Wisma Putra said Abiy will be welcomed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in an official ceremony, followed by a bilateral meeting.
"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," the statement added.
Ethiopia was Malaysia's 26th largest trading partner in the African continent last year, with the trade balance in Malaysia’s favour.
Trade between the two nations was recorded at RM446.8mil, with Malaysia's exports to Ethiopia amounting to RM358.6mil, an increase of 24.6% from the previous year.
Malaysia’s exports to Ethiopia include electrical and electronic products; palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products; chemicals and chemical-based products; as well as textiles, clothing and footwear. – Bernama
