Vietnam, Ethiopia Pledge to Deepen Ties During Historic Visit by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali held official talks in Hanoi on Tuesday afternoon, charting new directions to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen ties between the two nations.
The meeting marked a historic occasion as it is the first official visit to Vietnam by a high-level Ethiopian leader since the establishment of diplomatic relations nearly five decades ago. Prime Minister Ali is in Hà Nội for a state visit and to participate in the fourth Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit.
During the talks, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fostering more effective, comprehensive, and profound cooperation. They identified key areas of focus, including trade, investment, education, and transportation, aiming to usher in a new chapter in Vietnam–Ethiopia relations.
Prime Minister Chính underscored the growing regional influence of both countries, stating, “The amicable and cooperative ties between the two countries should continue to develop in a practical manner, bringing tangible benefits to the people and the development of both nations.”
He also expressed admiration for Ethiopia’s consistent economic growth, praising the country’s resilience amid global challenges.
In response, Prime Minister Ali thanked Vietnam for its warm hospitality and expressed high regard for the nation’s remarkable transformation. “I have heard many admirable things about Việt Nam, but it is only upon arriving here that I witnessed the country’s transformation, especially with multiple industrial zones,” he said.
The Ethiopian leader noted the similarities between the two nations, highlighting that both are developing countries with large, youthful, and dynamic populations. Ethiopia, with a population of approximately 130 million — 70 percent of whom are young — is home to some 30 million students, whom Ali described as a vital force for the nation and the African continent in the coming decades.
“Alongside the scale of our population, we are also striving to reform our economy with new policies,” he added.
Trade between Vietnam and Ethiopia has steadily grown, reaching US$13.1 million in 2024. Vietnam’s exports accounted for $7.11 million, while imports stood at $6.06 million. Both countries have also supported each other in multilateral forums and mechanisms, with Ethiopia officially recognizing Vietnam as a market economy in 2014.
Following the official talks, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), covering areas such as trade, education, and direct air connectivity.
The visit marks a significant step forward in Vietnam–Ethiopia relations, setting the stage for expanded engagement and long-term collaboration across multiple sectors.
