ADDIS ABABA, Nov 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was today accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the National Palace, also known as the Jubilee Palace, a historic landmark in the heart of Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, Anwar was received by his counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali, before both leaders walked to the elevated dais.
As Anwar and Abiy Ahmed stood on the dais, the national anthems of Malaysia and Ethiopia were played.
Anwar then inspected the guard of honour and, upon his return to the dais, both leaders observed a march-past by the Guard of Honour and a brass band.
Also present at the ceremony were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, and Embassy of Malaysia in Ethiopia ad interim chargé d’affaires Mohd Afandi Abu Bakar.
After the ceremony, both leaders proceeded to the site designated for the Tree of Friendship planting ceremony, where they each planted an oil palm provided by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).
Later, at the Car Museum located within the National Palace grounds, Anwar was shown the collection of cars of Emperor Haile Selassie, including two historic locomotive coaches gifted to the former emperor.
Haile Selassie was Ethiopia emperor from 1930 to 1974.
Anwar was also shown memorabilia and the personal collection of the emperor.
After the ceremony at the National Palace, Anwar and Abiy Ahmed held a four-eyed meeting.
Both leaders are also scheduled to hold a joint press conference, and the day’s programme will conclude with an official dinner hosted by Abiy Ahmed.
Anwar’s three-day visit to Ethiopia, which began yesterday, is the first by a Malaysian prime minister and reciprocates Abiy Ahmed’s trip to Malaysia in October last year.
The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Ethiopia, established in January 1965.
