Addis Ababa, Dec 16 (NationPress) Members of the Indian community extended a grand welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival at the hotel in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, alongside his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.

In a remarkable gesture, Abiy Ahmed Ali—who was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his pivotal role in resolving the border dispute with Eritrea—personally drove PM Modi from the airport to the hotel. En route, he took a special detour to showcase the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which sources indicate was not part of the original agenda.

At the hotel, PM Modi engaged with the Indian community members who had eagerly awaited his arrival. They waved Indian flags and chanted slogans like “Modi Modi” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” while presenting him with flowers.

Both PM Modi and PM Abiy Ahmed Ali enjoyed cultural performances and captured moments with the attendees. A group of artists welcomed PM Modi with a rendition of the song 'Dharti Sunehra Ambar Neela' from the Bollywood film 'Veer Zaara'.

Sharing a video of the performance on Instagram, PM Modi remarked, “A vibrant welcome in Addis Ababa! Indian songs and music are indeed very popular here.”

Earlier, PM Abiy Ahmed Ali greeted PM Modi at the airport as he arrived for a two-day official visit to Ethiopia. Upon landing, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Ethiopian leaders to further enhance bilateral ties across various sectors.

“Just arrived in Addis Ababa. I am grateful for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s warm welcome at the airport. Ethiopia boasts a rich history and a vibrant culture. India and Ethiopia have profound civilizational connections. I look forward to engaging with Ethiopian leadership to bolster our partnership across diverse domains,” PM Modi shared on X.

This visit, initiated at the invitation of PM Abiy Ahmed, highlights the increasing strategic significance of India-Ethiopia relations.

The two leaders also shared an informal discussion at the airport.

“At Addis Ababa airport, participated in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, showcasing Ethiopia’s rich heritage,” PM Modi posted on X.

During his visit, PM Modi plans to hold extensive discussions with Abiy Ahmed Ali, covering all facets of their bilateral relationship, including political engagement, development cooperation, trade, investment, and people-to-people relations. As partners in the Global South, both leaders are anticipated to reaffirm their shared commitment to fostering friendship and expanding cooperation for mutual benefits.

PM Modi will also meet with members of the Indian diaspora and deliver a speech at a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament.

This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ethiopia since 2011, with Addis Ababa adorned with welcome banners, posters, and Indian flags to honor PM Modi.

Ethiopia is viewed as a significant and reliable partner for India in Africa and the Global South, and this visit is expected to enhance bilateral engagement significantly.

In his departure statement on Monday, PM Modi underscored the importance of Addis Ababa as the headquarters of the African Union, noting that during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, the African Union was granted permanent membership to the G20. He expressed his eagerness for detailed discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, interactions with the Indian diaspora, and addressing the Ethiopian Parliament.

“I look forward to sharing insights on India’s journey as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and the value of the India–Ethiopia partnership for the Global South,” the Prime Minister stated.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has actively participated in previous editions of the Voice of Global South summit. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this visit exemplifies India’s ongoing commitment to enhancing South-South cooperation and fortifying its partnership with Africa.

PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia following a two-day visit to Jordan, where he met with King Abdullah II, Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II, addressed the India-Jordan Business Forum, and toured the Jordan Museum on Tuesday.