This is the first visit to Vietnam by a senior Ethiopian leader since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976, and also the first high-level delegation exchange between the two countries in seven years.

PM Pham Minh Chinh (L) and Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali review the guard of honour.

After the welcome ceremony, the PMs visited a photo exhibition on the two countries, their people and good relations between Vietnam and Ethiopia, which was jointly organised by the Government Office and the Vietnam News Agency. The two leaders then held talks.

During the visit, along with the talks with his Vietnamese counterpart, PM Abiy Ahmed Ali is scheduled to meet with the top leaders of the Party, State, and National Assembly of Vietnam; and participate in activities within the framework of the P4G Summit.

The Ethiopian PM’s visit to Vietnam takes place in the context that the two countries are looking forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

After half a century, the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Ethiopia has developed well. The Communist Party of Vietnam has a good relationship with the ruling Prosperity Party of Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has recognised Vietnam's market economy since 2014. The two sides regularly support each other at multilateral forums and international organisations.

However, economic, trade, and investment relations between Vietnam and Ethiopia are still modest, not commensurate with their potential and political and diplomatic relations.

Two-way trade turnover in the past four years has remained at 10 - 15 million USD annually. Ethiopia has only one investment project in Vietnam with a total investment capital of 10,000 USD.

Meanwhile, MK Group JSC is the only Vietnamese enterprise with a joint venture investment project in the field of smart card production in Ethiopia with a capital contribution of 60% and is promoting cooperation in the field of cyber security and information security.

The Ethiopian PM’s visit clearly demonstrates the strategic vision and desire of the two countries to elevate and deepen bilateral relations in the new development stage.

In particular, the two sides will comprehensively review the areas of cooperation, at the same time, exchange directions and shape a more substantive and effective cooperation framework in the coming time, especially in the fields of trade, investment, aviation, science and technology, agriculture and cyber security; thus contributing to enhancing the presence and image of Vietnam in the African region, including Ethiopia.

In addition, PM Abiy Ahmed Ali’s participation in the P4G Summit shows Ethiopia’s appreciation for Vietnam’s increasingly prominent role in the international arena, as well as its desire to work with Vietnam to promote global initiatives on climate change response, green growth, innovation and sustainable development, vividly demonstrating Vietnam’s spirit of proactive, responsible cooperation and joint development for the common interests of the international community.

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