The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, paid a three-day official visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia from November 18–20, marking an important milestone in the advancement of diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. The visit followed last year’s official trip by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Malaysia, a historic engagement that laid a solid foundation for deeper cooperation and an expanding partnership.
Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Ethiopia, the first by a Malaysian Prime Minister, coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit sought to further strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, reflecting the growing partnership between Ethiopia and Malaysia.
The following day, accompanied by the Mayor of Addis Ababa, Adanech Abebie and the Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, Anwar Ibrahim toured the Adwa Victory Memorial, an enduring symbol of pride for all Black people and a testament to Ethiopia’s historic triumph at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The visit underscored Ethiopia’s rich history, heritage, developmental aspirations, and its strategic leadership on the African continent. It also offered an opportunity for both leaders to exchange views on innovation, digital transformation, and potential areas for cooperation in emerging technologies. Through this engagement, the Malaysian delegation gained a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s national resilience and the profound significance of the Victory of Adwa as a symbol of African independence.
Upon his arrival in Addis Ababa, the Malaysian Premier was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Abiy. Together, they visited the Ethiopian Science Museum and Friendship Park, which showcased Ethiopia’s technological progress, innovation drive, and commitment to community development and heritage preservation.
A major highlight of the visit was the Ethiopia–Malaysia High-Level Business Forum, attended by the Ethiopian President, the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, and the Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission. The forum brought together more than sixty prominent Malaysian business leaders and forty Ethiopian business representatives exploring opportunities in manufacturing, services, agriculture, logistics, and technology. Participants received comprehensive briefings from relevant Ethiopian authorities on investment, trade, and tourism prospects.
President Taye Atske Selassie, in his opening remarks, described the forum as the first of its kind and a platform heralding a new era of economic cooperation. He emphasized the historic significance of the event in advancing trade, investment, and mutual prosperity between the two nations.
In his remarks during the forum, the Malaysian Prime Minister underscored the importance of Ethiopia as Africa’s diplomatic hub and a gateway to regional markets. He praised Ethiopia’s role as host of the African Union and reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to expanding economic engagement, trade partnerships, and private-sector collaboration. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s economic progress and its considerable potential for further growth.
Speaking at the forum, Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe stated that Ethiopia envisions a partnership with Malaysia that goes beyond traditional trade dynamics. He outlined the prospect of a collaboration in which Malaysia’s capital and expertise in semiconductors, ICT, real estate, logistics, e-commerce, and global market access converge with Ethiopia’s natural and human potential, strategic location, and ambitious reform agenda. Ethiopian Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a predictable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment, encouraging Malaysian enterprises to view Ethiopia not only as an investment destination but also as a strategic partner in building a sustainable and prosperous Africa.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and President Taye also held a discussion before the session began. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding Ethiopia–Malaysia relations by strengthening cooperation across traditional sectors while exploring high-value areas such as semiconductors, cybersecurity, and other strategic domains vital to shared growth and prosperity.
Later in the day, an official ceremony was held at Ethiopia’s National Palace. The program included bilateral talks between the two Prime Ministers and their respective delegations, during which the leaders reviewed the current state of relations and explored new avenues to further cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture and commodities, health, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges. Both sides welcomed the steady progress achieved since Prime Minister Abiy’s official visit to Malaysia in the previous year, which had created renewed momentum for expanding bilateral ties. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
During the ceremony, both leaders witnessed the signing of several important cooperation instruments: the Bilateral Air Services Agreement; a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of Tourism; an MoU in the field of Health; and a Collaboration Document between the Addis Ababa City Administration and the Kuala Lumpur City Council. Earlier in the visit, representatives of the two Foreign Ministries exchanged Notes on the establishment of a Bilateral Consultations Mechanism. These agreements are expected to broaden avenues of cooperation and advance shared development objectives.
Prior to the bilateral meetings, the two Prime Ministers planted palm oil seedlings brought from Malaysia signifying the deepening partnership between the two countries while also underscoring Ethiopia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its Green Legacy Initiative.
Beyond government-level engagements, the Malaysian Prime Minister also held an Afro-Malaysia Youth Forum with young people from Africa and Malaysia. Co-organized by the Ethiopian Youth Council, the Pan-African Youth Union, and the Malaysian Youth Council under the theme “Bridging Civilizations, Building Futures: Strengthening Afro-Malaysia Partnership for Shared Prosperity,” the forum served as a platform for dialogue on youth leadership, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration. During his public lecture, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed the importance of decolonizing the mind, fostering cultural and economic synergies, and strengthening partnerships across the Global South. He highlighted the historical injustices faced by developing nations and emphasized the need for cooperation that promotes shared prosperity. He also expressed Malaysia’s intention to host the second Afro-Malaysia Summit next year. Among the dignitaries present at the forum was Ergoge Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs.
Overall, the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit marked a significant step toward elevating Ethiopia–Malaysia relations to new heights. Through high-level dialogue, cultural exchanges, and robust business engagement, the two countries demonstrated a shared commitment to building a dynamic partnership that supports economic growth, regional stability, and mutual prosperity. The visit proved both meaningful and fruitful, laying the groundwork for renewed cooperation between the two brotherly nations. It also marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, first established in January 1965, and coincided with the reopening of the Malaysian Embassy in Addis Ababa in September 2025 after a 42-year closure.