Addis ababa: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to begin the second day of his official visit to Ethiopia with a guided tour of the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, a notable cultural site commemorating Ethiopia’s victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The museum serves as a symbol of African freedom and empowerment, drawing visitors and hosting national events.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister’s itinerary includes a courtesy call on Ethiopia’s President, Taye Atske Selassie, at the Addis International Convention Centre. Anwar, also serving as Malaysia’s Finance Minister, will then participate in the Malaysia-Ethiopia High Level Business Forum.

Later, an official welcoming ceremony is scheduled at the National Palace, featuring a guard-of-honour inspection and a “Tree of Friendship” planting ceremony. Anwar will also tour the National Palace and engage in a one-on-one meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali.

The two leaders will oversee the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering health cooperation, an air services agreement, and tourism collaboration. Additionally, a document between the Kuala Lumpur City Council and Addis Ababa City Administration will be signed to formalize strategic dialogue and cooperation.

A joint press conference with Anwar and Abiy Ahmed is planned, followed by an official dinner hosted by the Ethiopian Prime Minister. This visit marks Anwar’s first to Ethiopia and aims to strengthen Malaysia’s engagement with the African continent, particularly through the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa.

Anwar’s three-day visit, which began on November 18, reciprocates Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Malaysia last October and celebrates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations initiated in January 1965. Accompanying Anwar are Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Zaliha Mustafa, and a Malaysian business delegation.

Ethiopia, despite being landlocked, stands as Malaysia’s 26th largest trading partner in Africa as of 2023. Following Addis Ababa, Anwar will visit Johannesburg, South Africa, for the G20 Leaders’ Summit from November 20-23, and Nairobi, Kenya, from November 23-24, before returning to Malaysia.

Malaysia observes a five-hour time difference ahead of Ethiopia.