Addis Ababa, November 20, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Malaysia signaled a major elevation of their relations on Wednesday as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hosted Malaysian Prime Minister PM Anwar Ibrahim for bilateral talks at the National Palace here in Addis Ababa, with both leaders underscoring their commitment to stronger South–South cooperation.
PM Abiy said the visit reflects a deepening partnership rooted in shared principles. “Ethiopia and Malaysia share a history of friendship and cooperation … grounded in the Non-Aligned Movement and South-South Cooperation,” he said, adding that their engagements “open new doors for our friendship and cooperation.”
He noted that the two sides held “candid discussions” across multiple sectors and expressed confidence in the trajectory of the relationship. “I am sure the future for Ethiopia and Malaysia will be bright and stronger,” PM Abiy said.
PM Anwar, for his part, characterized the visit as more than a diplomatic engagement, describing it as a “family visit” and highlighting the depth of interest Malaysians have long had in Ethiopia’s history and identity.
He emphasized Malaysia’s readiness to significantly expand collaboration, saying: “I am really personally committed to ensure that we enhance these bilateral relations … This is probably the first African country that we take very seriously, to showcase what an effective collaboration is all about.”
PM Anwar also praised Ethiopia’s role in South–South cooperation and its support for global multilateral platforms. “You give such compelling support for BRICS,” he said, noting Ethiopia’s growing voice in international affairs.
Both leaders pointed to future cooperation spanning investment, trade, education, scientific research, culture and regional market integration — linking ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Horn of Africa economies.
The official welcoming ceremony was held at the National Palace on Wednesday afternoon in Addis Ababa. The program included a tree of friendship planting ceremony, tour of the Palace Museum, bilateral discussions, and the exchange of several documents: a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Fields of Tourism, in Health, an Agreement on Air Services, and a collaboration document between the Kuala Lumpur City Council and the Addis Ababa City Administration.
PM Anwar arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday, November 18, for a three-day official working visit, in reciprocation of PM Abiy’s visit to Malaysia in October 2024.
During his stay, he visited the Adwa Victory Memorial and attended the first-ever Ethiopia-Malaysia High-Level Business Forum yesterday, where he also presided alongside Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie.