In a blend of diplomacy and opulence, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and his delegation have privately met with business magnate Mohammed Hussein Ali Al-Amoudi (Sheik) in Jeddah. The encounter, marked by luxurious surroundings and traditional hospitality, included key officials such as Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, National Security Advisor Redwan Hussien, Security Chief Temesgen Tiruneh, and Sandokan Debebe, state minister for Planning & Development. This marks a notable appearance for Al-Amoudi, a significant figure in Ethiopian-Saudi business relations, who was absent from the public following his detention in Saudi Arabia in 2017. He has not been in Ethiopia since; neither has he travelled outside Saudi Arabia.
The meeting coincided with the Prime Minister’s attendance at the inaugural Saudi-Africa summit, an event organised for cooperation between Africa and the Kingdom, where he met fellow African leaders. Notably, the presidents of Kenya and Eritrea, William Ruto and Issayas Afeworqi, were also in attendance, signifying a gathering of influence and alliance-building in the region. Whether they met with Prime Minister Abiy on the side was not reported.
