Addis Ababa, 16 December (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Addis Ababa on Tuesday for a two-day state visit—his first to Ethiopia—as the second leg of a three-nation tour, receiving an extraordinary personal welcome from Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali, who greeted him at Bole International Airport and drove him directly to the Science Museum en route to his hotel.

Rare Gesture Underscores Bilateral Warmth

In a departure from protocol, Nobel laureate Abiy Ahmed personally chauffeured PM Modi to the Science Museum, showcasing Ethiopia's innovations and progress, followed by a stop at Friendship Park—neither on the official itinerary—highlighting the nation's vibrant culture and shared civilizational bonds with India.

Packed Agenda to Fortify India-Africa Partnership

PM Modi's itinerary includes bilateral talks with Abiy Ahmed to expand cooperation in trade, technology, skilling, and Global South initiatives; an address to Ethiopia's joint parliamentary session; and diaspora engagement, reinforcing Ethiopia's role as a key African partner amid extensive citywide preparations like welcome hoardings and Indian flags.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar