Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam and Ethiopia are set to usher in a new chapter of cooperation as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and his spouse are making an official visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 17.
While in Vietnam, the PM will also attend the 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) Summit, carries particular significance as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. With growing mutual interest and expanding areas of collaboration, this visit is expected to reinvigorate bilateral ties and unlock new opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and Ethiopia, a key player in the Horn of Africa.
Sound political-diplomatic relations
The long-standing friendship between Vietnam and Ethiopia is rooted in mutual respect and a shared history of national liberation. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1976, both nations have engaged in regular political exchanges, paving the way for increasingly dynamic cooperation.
Over the years, Vietnam has welcomed many senior Ethiopian officials, including Deputy Minister of Agriculture Wondirad Madefero (2012), Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen (2014), and Minister of Public Enterprises Demitu Hambisa Bonsa (2016). On the Vietnamese side, notable Ethiopia visits included those by Vice President Nguyen Huu Tho (1978), General Vo Nguyen Giap (1980), and President Tran Dai Quang (2018).
More recently, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the BRICS+ Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. During their conversation, the Vietnamese leader expressed a strong desire to strengthen ties across various fields, including trade, investment, and agriculture. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said his country attaches great importance to ties with Vietnam, praising Vietnam’s rapid economic progress and affirming Ethiopia’s commitment to closer cooperation.
Vietnam and Ethiopia also enjoy strong coordination in multilateral forums and mechanisms, regularly supporting each other's international candidacies and initiatives. Vietnam backed Ethiopia’s bid for the role of WHO Director-General in 2022, while Ethiopia supported Vietnam in its run for seats at the UN Security Council, ECOSOC, and UNESCO Executive Board.
Untapped potential in economic, trade collaboration
Bilateral trade over the past three years has averaged between 10–15 million USD annually. In 2024, two-way trade volume reached 13.1 million USD, with Vietnam exports of 7.11 million USD, mostly from machinery, textiles, and chemical products, and importing mainly raw materials for textiles and footwear, along with coffee.
Ethiopia recognised Vietnam’s market economy status in April 2014, marking a turning point in bilateral economic relations.
In terms of investment, Vietnam has also maintained its presence in Ethiopia through MK Group, which operates a joint venture in smart card manufacturing. As of January 2025, Ethiopia had one active project in Vietnam, valued at 10,000 USD.
A number of bilateral agreements have already been signed, including cultural, economic, scientific, and technological cooperation frameworks, a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, and several memorandums of understanding between government agencies and chambers of commerce.
During the first Political Consultation held in Addis Ababa in February 2025, co-chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang and Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mesganu Arga, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation. Hang highlighted the two countries’ shared development ambitions, particularly in green transition, digital innovation, and sustainability, and called for a practical roadmap to increase trade volume and promote investment in various fields, including telecommunications, digital services, agriculture, and tourism.
Mesganu Arga welcomed the proposal, expressing Ethiopia’s interest in deeper engagement with Vietnamese businesses in areas such as agricultural technology, pharmaceuticals, IT, and cyber security.
The two sides also agreed to explore opportunities in sectors like food processing, fisheries, Halal products, textiles, and garments. Both countries are keen to enhance cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, and cooperation between the Vietnam and African Union, and between Ethiopia and ASEAN.
New momentum for bilateral partnership
According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Tanzania and Ethiopia Vu Thanh Huyen, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit marks a historic moment in the relationship between the two countries. It not only reflects each country’s high evaluation to the other that has been shown in nearly five decades of friendship, but also demonstrates both sides’ aspirations to further deepen and elevate their ties.
She emphasised that the visit provides an important opportunity to take stock of bilateral cooperation, assess achievements, and jointly chart a course for more effective collaboration in the years ahead.
Notably, the fact that the visit is combined with Ethiopia’s participation in the P4G Summit underscores Ethiopia’s recognition of Vietnam’s growing role on the global stage, especially in sustainable development and climate action. It also demonstrates both countries' commitment to international cooperation for green growth, innovation, and sustainability.
Huyen noted that both nations are members of the P4G platform. Ethiopia previously participated in the 2023 Summit in Colombia, and its presence at this year’s event in Vietnam highlights their shared commitment to global green and sustainable development agendas./.
