Amman [Jordan], December 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday departed Jordan for Ethiopia, marking the second leg of his three-nation tour after concluding his official engagements in the country. Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II personally bid farewell to the Prime Minister at the airport, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “A successful visit to Jordan concludes. In a gesture reflecting the warm bilateral ties, HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II drove PM @narendramodi to the airport and saw him off.”
The Crown Prince’s personal gesture of driving Prime Minister Modi to the airport was described as rare and significant. Before his departure, the Prime Minister visited the Jordan Museum along with the Crown Prince.
In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “Exploring ancient links between India and Jordan! Vikas bhi Virasat bhi!” He added that Prime Minister Modi and the Crown Prince reflected on shared civilizational links and centuries-old connections between the two countries.
The leaders were given a special tour of the museum by HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, Vice Chair of the Jordan Museum. In another special gesture, the Crown Prince personally drove the Prime Minister to the museum.
During the Jordan visit, Prime Minister Modi also addressed the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman. King Abdullah II and the Crown Prince were present at the event.
The Prime Minister highlighted areas where India and Jordan can deepen trade, business, and investment ties, stressing the potential for collaboration across digital public infrastructure, fintech, health technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, fertilizers, green energy, and sustainable infrastructure.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Prime Minister underlined the scope for India-Jordan cooperation to emerge as trusted global supply chain partners and invited businesses and startups from both countries to work together for shared growth.
As Prime Minister Modi moved on to Ethiopia, members of the Indian diaspora there described his visit as “iconic.” Ethiopia marks the Prime Minister’s first official visit to the country, often referred to as the Land of Origins.
During the two-day state visit, he will hold talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, a Nobel laureate, and address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament.
Members of the Indian community in Ethiopia also shared their expectations from the visit. Ramendra Shah said cooperation between India and Ethiopia has already led to improvements in healthcare.
“The medical facilities have improved tremendously. Many hospitals are undertaking research with Indian hospitals, and one of them is Mahatma Gandhi Hospital. They have worked on an expansion plan to accommodate about 400 beds. We look forward to financial support, especially from philanthropic organizations in India. Tomorrow’s visit by PM Modi will be very iconic for India-Ethiopia relations and will further improve ties due to BRICS,” he said.
In his departure statement from India, Prime Minister Modi had noted that Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, also hosts the headquarters of the African Union. He recalled that during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the grouping.
“In Addis Ababa, I will hold detailed discussions with H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali and also have the opportunity to meet the Indian diaspora living there,” he said.
After concluding his visit to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Oman from December 17 to 18, marking the final leg of his three-nation tour.
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