Addis ababa: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie Amde have agreed to propel the Putrajaya-Addis Ababa relations in a new direction. “In the spirit of commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, we are in agreement that it should be driven in a new direction, moving beyond traditional cooperation into high-value sectors such as semiconductors, the halal economy, cyber security as well as other strategic areas that can open opportunities for shared growth,” Anwar stated after the meeting.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to this new direction, highlighted by the reopening of the Malaysian Embassy in Addis Ababa in September. This move aligns with Malaysia’s recognition of Ethiopia as an important diplomatic hub on the African continent. Anwar expressed that Malaysia also welcomes the establishment of an Ethiopian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, viewing it as another step to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Anwar further remarked on the importance of maintaining relations based on genuine friendship and mutual trust, with benefits shared by both nations’ peoples. This visit marks Anwar’s inaugural trip to Ethiopia, underscoring Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its ties with the African continent, particularly through the African Union headquarters located in the city.
The African Union, which was established in July 2002 and consists of 55 member states, acts as the continent’s representative voice on the global stage and promotes international cooperation. Anwar’s visit also serves to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Ethiopia, originally established in January 1965.
Ethiopia is noted as the world’s most populous landlocked country and was Malaysia’s 26th largest trading partner in Africa in 2024. It is the first country visited by Anwar during his African tour. In 2024, the bilateral trade value between Malaysia and Ethiopia reached RM625.6 million, with exports from Malaysia valued at RM579.9 million, marking a 50 percent increase from the previous year.