Addis Ababa, Dec. 17 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a prolonged standing ovation lasting nearly 90 seconds after addressing a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament on Wednesday, marking a high point of his maiden visit to the East African nation and reflecting the warmth and goodwill underpinning bilateral ties.

The applause began soon after the Prime Minister concluded his address by thanking the people of Ethiopia, and continued as he stepped down from the podium and greeted members of Parliament, visibly underscoring the strong and growing connection between the two countries.

"Thank you for your friendship, thank you for your trust... Thank you," Prime Minister Modi said while concluding his speech, using Ethiopian phr...