Ethiopian PM's Vietnam visit hoped to further develop bilateral ties

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (Photo: published VNA)

The upcoming official visit to Vietnam by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and his spouse is expected to create fresh impetus to develop the Vietnam–Ethiopia relationship more intensively, extensively and practically, said a diplomat.

At the invitation of PM Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse, PM Abiy Ahmed Ali and his spouse will pay an official visit to Vietnam from April 14-17, where he will also attend the 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondent in Africa, Ambassador of Vietnam to Tanzania Vu Thanh Huyen, who is concurrently in charge of Ethiopia, said the visit is expected to accelerate negotiations on key agreements in such areas as trade, investment, aviation, science and technology, agriculture, and cybersecurity. It also aims to enhance Vietnam’s presence and image across Africa, particularly in Ethiopia.

She noted that the visit comes as the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 (December 23, 1976–2026). This marks a significant milestone, demonstrating mutual respect for the traditional friendship and cooperation cultivated over nearly five decades. It also reflects both countries’ strategic vision and aspirations to advance the bilateral ties in a new stage of development.

Notably, the combination of the bilateral visit with the participation in the P4G Summit underscores Ethiopia’s recognition of Vietnam’s growing role in multilateral frameworks, and its desire to cooperate with Vietnam on global initiatives addressing climate change, green growth, innovation, and sustainable development. This also vividly illustrates the two countries’ proactive, responsible, and cooperative spirit in advancing common international interests.

During the visit, PM Abiy Ahmed will meet with Vietnam’s senior leaders to discuss the bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern. He is also expected to participate in the P4G Summit and engage with the Vietnamese business community to promote economic and trade cooperation.

Ambassador of Vietnam to Tanzania Vu Thanh Huyen, who is concurrently in charge of Ethiopia (Photo: VNA)

Commenting on nearly half a century of Vietnam–Ethiopia relations, Huyen noted that political ties between the two countries have always remained positive, with mutual support in regional and global forums.

Regarding economic and trade cooperation, in the past three years, bilateral trade has averaged around 10–15 million USD annually. Last year, two-wat trade turnover reached 13.1 million USD, with Vietnam’s exports accounting for 7.11 million USD and imports 6.06 million USD. Although the trade volume remains modest, the potential for economic collaboration is substantial. Vietnam exports agricultural products, consumer goods, and industrial items such as machinery, equipment, fibres, and chemicals to Ethiopia. In return, Ethiopia exports coffee, spices, and minerals to Vietnam, including textile materials and leather products.

According to the ambassador, Vietnam and Ethiopia are both rapidly developing nations with a shared commitment to innovation, green transition, and digital transformation as key drivers of sustainable economic growth.

To support each other in achieving these objectives, the two countries can implement a range of concrete measures. Vietnam, with its accumulated experience in green transition and digital transformation as well as innovation, particularly in the fields of agriculture and information technology, can share its knowledge and best practices for Ethiopia to adapt to its local conditions.

Strengthening collaboration in research and development, especially in green industries, renewable energy, and digital technology, will not only contribute to sustainable solutions but also generate employment opportunities in both countries. In addition, Vietnam can support Ethiopia in developing a skilled workforce by offering training programmes and scholarships, particularly in high potential sectors such as information technology, modern agriculture, and environmentally friendly industries.

Investment opportunities in renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, and green industries can also be further explored, establishing a solid foundation for long-term cooperation between the two nations, the ambassador noted./.