PM Modi to hold bilateral talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali in Addis Ababa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a short while ago for a two-day visit to the nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been given a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at the National Palace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The palace, which was formerly known as Eyubelyu or (Jubilee) Palace, has been an official residence of the President of Ethiopia since the Derg government. The ceremony highlighted Ethiopia’s rich heritage.

At Addis Ababa airport, in a special gesture, he was warmly received by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali. Mr Modi also took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with his Ethiopian counterpart. Noticeably, Hindi songs have been performed to welcome the Prime Minister.

Mr Modi will be holding wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali on all aspects of India-Ethiopia bilateral ties. This will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Ethiopia, where he will also address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament.

Addis Ababa, the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, has been decked up with numerous hoardings and welcome posters ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State Visit to the country, starting today. The entire city is adorned with vibrant posters and Indian flags as the country anxiously awaits the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 2011.

The Indian diaspora in Ethiopia, numbering around 2 thousand, is also preparing a special outreach programme to welcome Prime Minister Modi. A large number of activities, including recitation of songs and poems, are planned.

The Visit reaffirms the shared commitment of both countries, as partners in the Global South, to strengthening friendship and expanding bilateral cooperation. Ethiopia is India’s important and trusted partner in the Global South, and the African context and PM Modi will be holding several significant engagements during his two-day visit.

Agriculture, mining, digital public infrastructure, Solar Alliance and cybersecurity are expected to be among the key areas on the agenda for discussions between the Indian side and the Ethiopian leadership.