Ethiopia, Malaysia Hold First-Ever High-level Business Forum

Addis Ababa, November 19, 2025 (ENA) - The first-ever Ethiopia-Malaysia high level business forum was held today in the presence of Ethiopia's President Taye Atske Selassie and Malaysia's Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

President Taye said on the occasion even if diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1965, today’s rapidly shifting geo-economic and geopolitical landscape call for deeper and more strategic cooperation.

There is a need to strengthen the diplomatic relations between the countries through trade and investment, agriculture, livestock, mining and other important development areas as well, he added.

The President underscored that Ethiopia's rapid strides in digitalization are boosting financial inclusion and modernizing the economy at an unprecedented pace.

According to him, this historic investment forum not only reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Malaysia but also set the stage for a future defined by deeper economic collaboration, mutual understanding, and shared prosperity.

Called on Malaysian companies to take advantage of Ethiopia's trade and investment opportunities and engage in development that will lead to mutual prosperity and benefit, President Taye noted that there is a favorable environment for Malaysian companies to take advantage of the trade and investment opportunities.

On his part, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underscored the long-standing relationship between the two nations and a partnership rooted in diplomatic cooperation and shared perspectives on global affairs.

He expressed his deep appreciation to Ethiopia’s promising trajectory in reform and development by utilizing its enormous potential of the country.

According to Ibrahim, the story of Ethiopia's Christian emperor offering sanctuary to Muslims carries profound lessons for today’s world, often marked by division, hatred, and prejudice. Hence mutual understanding and historical awareness are essential foundations for building meaningful relationships.

“It will be loss if we don’t foster the relationship between the two countries,” the PM noted, stressing the need to cultivate the relationship between Malaysia and Ethiopia.

Not doing so would be a missed opportunity not only for both countries but also for the broader region and international community, Prime Minister Ibrahim added.

He mentioned that digital transformation, energy transition, data sector, and artificial intelligence are fundamental solutions to economic challenges in this era.

Expressing his gratitude to the Malaysian business community delegation for their commitment to attend the forum, he said “we have a serious plan. So, we must do whatever is necessary to facilitate this relationship “, taking the cooperation as a great opportunity since economic diplomacy plays a major role in strengthening the relations.