Aviation was one of the key themes discussed in bilateral meetings that took place between Prime Minister of Malta Robert Abela and Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Ali. During an official visit to Malta by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, the two prime ministers outlined how increased cooperation in the aviation sector can be of benefit for both countries.
The Maltese Prime Minister hosted his Ethiopian counterpart at his office in Auberge de Castille and highlighted the ongoing discussions currently taking place so that the national airline of Ethiopia, the largest airline company in Africa and the fourth largest in the world in terms of destinations, starts to fly to and from Malta. Prime Minister Robert Abela said that this development is not just a positive one because it would allow Ethiopian Airlines to fly onward to the United States from Malta, but it would also attract global investment to Malta and in parallel, lead to foreign direct investment in Ethiopia.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Abela described Ethiopia as a key strategic partner in Africa, together with Ghana. He highlighted the opening of a Maltese Embassy in the capital Addis Ababa and added that Malta can be an important Mediterranean and European commercial hub for Ethiopia. Dr Robert Abela congratulated Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali for the recent peace agreement reached in Ethiopia, which is expected to lead to more stability within the country. Dr Abela said that Malta, also as President of the United Nations Security Council, will continue striving for peace and dialogue. Both sides also discussed enhanced cooperation in the maritime sector, artificial intelligence, education, and science amongst others.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg and Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia.
Photos: OPM
