Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on Wednesday expressed warm appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Ethiopia, taking to Hindi on social media to underline the growing closeness between the two countries and their shared historical, cultural, and diplomatic bonds.

In a post on X written in Hindi, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed thanked PM Modi for his two-day visit to Addis Ababa—his first to the African nation—and conveyed confidence that the relationship between India and Ethiopia would continue to deepen. “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we will surely get the opportunity to meet again. With this hope, we will always remain connected through our nations’ historical, cultural, and diplomatic relations,” he wrote after personally seeing off the Indian leader.

As Prime Minister Modi concluded his visit and departed for Oman, the final leg of his three-nation tour, Abiy Ahmed once again made a notable personal gesture by driving him to the airport himself. Earlier, the Ethiopian Prime Minister had also received PM Modi at the airport on his arrival and personally escorted him to his hotel, reflecting the warmth and trust underpinning bilateral ties.

In another message posted on Wednesday, Abiy Ahmed thanked PM Modi for his sustained efforts to strengthen India–Ethiopia relations, noting that the elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership marked a significant milestone. “This opens a new chapter of deeper cooperation and shared progress between our two countries,” he said, highlighting the long-term vision guiding the relationship.

During the visit, the two Prime Ministers jointly planted saplings at the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives as part of India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and Ethiopia’s ‘Green Legacy’ programme, symbolising shared commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.

Prime Minister Modi was also accorded the rare honour of addressing a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament, a gesture reflecting the importance Ethiopia attaches to its partnership with India. In his address, PM Modi highlighted the civilisational connections between the two countries and stressed that both India and Ethiopia blend ancient wisdom with modern ambition.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi drew a symbolic parallel between India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and Ethiopia’s national anthem, noting that both refer to the land as “mother” and inspire deep respect for the motherland. He said this shared sentiment reflects the common values and perspectives of the two nations.

The Prime Minister also recalled the shared history of struggle and solidarity, highlighting the role of Indian soldiers who fought alongside Ethiopians during their liberation in 1941. PM Modi described it as an honour to pay tribute at the Adwa Victory Monument, which commemorates the sacrifices of the Ethiopian people and stands as a symbol of national pride.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties. He expressed deep gratitude to the Ethiopian government and people for the honour and welcomed the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership.

The visit is widely seen as a turning point in India–Ethiopia relations, injecting fresh momentum into cooperation across political, economic, and people-to-people domains, while reinforcing a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for the future.