Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (FMC) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has invited Ethiopia to open an embassy in Kuala Lumpur and expressed appreciation for Ethiopia’s support for Malaysia’s engagement with BRICS, as the two countries move to deepen their bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Anwar made the remarks following a bilateral meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.
He said the personal rapport between the two leaders and the friendship between Malaysia and Ethiopia have gained positive momentum following Prime Minister Abiy’s visit to Malaysia in 2024 and his reciprocal visit to Ethiopia in 2025.
Prime Minister Anwar also highlighted the reopening of Malaysia’s Embassy in Addis Ababa last September after 43 years, describing it as a new chapter in relations between the two countries. He subsequently invited Ethiopia to open its own embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
He further expressed appreciation for Ethiopia’s support for Malaysia’s engagement in BRICS, highlighting the importance of the two countries’ cooperation within the broader multilateral platform.
The two sides also agreed to hold their first Bilateral Consultations in Kuala Lumpur next year, with the consultations intended to help translate existing agreements between the two countries into concrete action.
Prime Minister Anwar identified several potential areas for expanded cooperation, including the halal industry, agriculture, food security, pharmaceuticals, digital services, renewable energy and tourism.
He said the momentum in Malaysia-Ethiopia relations would continue toward strengthening ties and advancing the prosperity of the peoples of both countries.
The latest engagement adds a new diplomatic and practical dimension to renewed Malaysia-Ethiopia relations, following reciprocal high-level visits, the reopening of Malaysia’s diplomatic mission in Addis Ababa and growing engagement through BRICS.