PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim departed Malaysia today for a landmark three-country visit to Africa, commencing with an official three-day stay in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, until 20 November.
The visit comes at a symbolic moment, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Ethiopia, established in January 1965.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, is travelling aboard a specially chartered Malaysia Airlines flight that departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12.35pm.
He is accompanied by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, senior government officials, and a business delegation.
During his visit to Ethiopia, Anwar is scheduled to receive a formal welcome at the national palace by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, followed by bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
Ethiopia, the most populous landlocked country in the world, ranks as Malaysia’s 26th largest trading partner in Africa. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached RM446.8 million in 2023, with Malaysian exports accounting for RM358.6 million, representing a 24.6 percent increase over the previous year.
From Addis Ababa, the Prime Minister will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, from 20 to 23 November for official engagements, including representing Malaysia at the G20 Leaders’ Summit and holding talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The tour will conclude in Nairobi, Kenya, where Anwar is scheduled to meet President William Ruto, industry leaders, business communities, and prominent Islamic figures to explore new opportunities for collaboration and strengthen bilateral relations.
In a Facebook post, Anwar emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to multilateralism, expanding economic and investment prospects, and reinforcing the art of diplomacy and international engagement through the tour. “I seek your prayers that our work and engagements are facilitated smoothly, bringing maximum benefit and returns to the nation,” he wrote.
Highlighting the multifaceted agenda of the trip, Anwar confirmed, “We are currently in Addis Ababa for bilateral discussions with my counterpart Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, alongside meetings with industry leaders, the business community, and Islamic leaders in the country.
“ I will then proceed to Johannesburg for the G20 Summit and discussions with President Ramaphosa before visiting Nairobi to meet President William Ruto and further explore opportunities for cooperation.”
The Prime Minister’s African tour underscores Malaysia’s strategic push to amplify its international presence while fostering economic growth, diplomatic ties, and interfaith engagement across the continent. - November 18, 2025
