NEW DELHI – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali have discussed opportunities to expand economic cooperation, including investment, tourism and renewable energy, during talks held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
Abiy said the meeting provided an opportunity to build on the momentum generated by Anwar’s visit to Addis Ababa in November 2025, as both countries look to strengthen their bilateral economic relationship.
The discussions covered potential investment opportunities in several areas, alongside cooperation in tourism and renewable energy. The two leaders also considered collaboration related to preparations for COP32, highlighting climate and sustainable development as areas of mutual interest.
Industrial development was another focus of the meeting. Abiy said Ethiopia was interested in learning from Malaysia’s experience in areas including industrial parks, productivity and manufacturing.
The exchange reflects Ethiopia’s interest in Malaysia’s industrial and manufacturing experience as the two countries explore ways to expand economic links. Cooperation in these fields could also create opportunities for the exchange of expertise, technology and skills.
Tourism was identified as another area with potential for closer engagement. Greater cooperation in the sector could contribute to stronger people-to-people links while providing additional avenues for economic activity between the two countries.
Renewable energy also featured in the discussions, with both sides exploring potential partnerships in a sector increasingly linked to investment, technology and sustainable development.
The talks additionally looked towards COP32, with the two governments considering how their cooperation could support broader climate-related objectives. The discussions place sustainable development alongside investment and industrial cooperation in the evolving bilateral relationship.
Abiy said Ethiopia and Malaysia had considerable potential to develop a stronger economic partnership. He identified investment, technology, skills and sustainable development as areas where closer cooperation could generate new opportunities.
The meeting follows a series of engagements aimed at developing relations between the two countries. Anwar’s visit to Addis Ababa in November 2025 provided an earlier platform for discussions on strengthening bilateral ties.
For Ethiopia, Malaysia’s experience in industrial parks and manufacturing offers an avenue for knowledge-sharing as the country seeks to develop productive capacity and attract investment. Malaysia, meanwhile, could find opportunities for expanded engagement through investment, tourism, energy and other areas of economic cooperation.
The renewable energy discussions also add a sustainability dimension to the relationship, while cooperation on skills and technology could support longer-term economic development.
Abiy said the two countries could build on their existing engagement by pursuing practical opportunities that bring together their respective strengths. The latest discussions indicate an interest in broadening cooperation beyond diplomatic relations towards areas with potential economic and developmental benefits.
The meeting took place as leaders gathered for the BRICS Summit, providing an international setting for Malaysia and Ethiopia to continue discussions on their bilateral relationship and identify areas for future cooperation.
