This evening, General Secretary To Lam received Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, who also serves as the Chairman of the Prosperity Party (PP) of Ethiopia.

The General Secretary remarked that the visit would elevate the relationship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Prosperity Party, as well as between the two countries, to a new stage of development.

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

General Secretary To Lam affirmed that Vietnam highly values its friendship and cooperation with African nations, including Ethiopia.

He suggested both sides identify and prioritize several potential cooperation areas based on mutual needs, particularly in agriculture, trade, investment, science and technology, and people-to-people and business connections.

He welcomed Ethiopian Airlines’ plan to launch a direct flight from Addis Ababa to Hanoi in July 2025 - the first direct air route connecting Vietnam with Africa.

On his first visit to Vietnam, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali expressed his gratitude for the warm and sincere welcome. He praised Vietnam’s resilient struggle for independence and its remarkable development achievements.

The Prime Minister expressed interest in learning from Vietnam’s experiences in fast and sustainable socio-economic development and environmental protection.

Abiy Ahmed Ali noted that the Prosperity Party is one of the largest political parties in Africa, with over 15 million members. He observed that the two parties share similarities that can serve as a foundation for mutual learning and experience-sharing.

The Ethiopian Party, Government, and State wish to deepen cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in investment, science and technology, agriculture, education and training, and people-to-people exchanges.

General Secretary To Lam welcomed the signing of several cooperation documents during the visit and encouraged both sides to negotiate and finalize additional agreements to complete the legal framework for bilateral cooperation.

He also proposed that the two countries establish diplomatic missions in each other's capitals to support and promote cooperation.

To Lam emphasized that Vietnam and Ethiopia are responsible members of the regional and global community. He proposed that both nations continue to support one another at multilateral forums.

Earlier in the afternoon, at the Presidential Palace, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse - Madam Le Thi Bich Tran hosted an official welcome ceremony for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and his wife - Madam Zinash Tayachew.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that the visit would strengthen the friendship and usher in a new phase of cooperation between Vietnam and Ethiopia.

Briefing the Ethiopian Prime Minister on Vietnam’s socio-economic development, Chinh highlighted the country’s strategic focus on institutional reform, human resources, and infrastructure as three major breakthroughs.

Amid global economic fluctuations and trade tensions, the two countries should promote dialogue and understanding to diversify markets and create favorable conditions for economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

Vietnam, within its broader foreign policy framework, always places importance on fostering friendly relations with African nations, including Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that Ethiopia regards Vietnam as a priority partner in Asia and seeks to deepen bilateral cooperation in sectors where both nations have strengths and potential.

Both Prime Ministers acknowledged positive developments in economic cooperation, including initial interest from Vietnamese enterprises in investing in Ethiopia.

They agreed to negotiate key agreements to create a conducive legal environment for economic cooperation, particularly a Free Trade Agreement, an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, a Cybersecurity Cooperation Agreement, and a joint initiative to combat cybercrime.

Both leaders also agreed to identify and promote potential investment projects in areas such as telecommunications, digital transformation, cybersecurity, mining, industrial and consumer goods manufacturing, agro-processing, civil construction, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and tourism.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed and expressed support for Vietnam’s successful hosting of the P4G Summit, emphasizing its contribution to global efforts for green and sustainable development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to act as a bridge to enhance ASEAN-Ethiopia cooperation and expressed hope that Ethiopia would support Vietnam’s engagement with the African Union and countries in Eastern Africa.

Tran Thuong - Pham Hai