Addis Ababa, Dec. 17 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed a Joint Session of the Parliament of Ethiopia, becoming the 18th parliament worldwide where he has delivered an address.

Calling Ethiopia the "land of lions", PM Modi said he felt at home in the country, drawing a parallel with his home state, Gujarat, which is also home to lions.

"It is a moment of great privilege for me to stand before you today. I feel honoured to be here in the temple of democracy, in the heart of a nation with ancient wisdom and modern aspirations," he said.

The Prime Minister said he carried with him the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and expressed deep respect for Ethiopia's Parliament, people and democratic journey.

"In this great bu...