KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Ethiopian counterpart, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali have discussed strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Anwar said this involves several sectors including trade and investment, mining, automotive manufacturing, tourism, aviation and agriculture.
"I also expressed my gratitude to Dr. Abiy for Ethiopia's support for Malaysia in BRICS and for inviting me to Ethiopia," he said.
Earlier this week, Malaysia was accepted as a BRICS partner country. The bloc collectively accounts for one-fifth of global trade.
Anwar said in their joint press conference, he reflected on the history of Ethiopia, once known as Abyssinia.
Anwar said Abyssinia witnessed the first migration of Muslims from Mecca, who received the protection of its Christian ruler, King Najashi.
"In our efforts to build and strong dignified civilisation, that piece of history can serve as a guide to Malaysia in ensuring equality, fair leadership and prosperity for all."
Anwar also said that his meeting with Dr. Abiy was not an ordinary one.
"It was a meeting held in a spirit of close kinship and friendship, and as part of our efforts to discover opportunities that will benefit the people of Malaysia and Ethiopia."
Dr. Abiy is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia, his first visit here since his appointment as Prime Minister in April 2018.
In 2023, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Ethiopia stood at RM446.8 million.
Malaysia's exports to Ethiopia include electrical and electronic products, palm oil and palm oil-based products, chemical and chemical-based products, textiles, apparel and footwear.