Russia – Ethiopia cooperation in areas of science, technology and education gaining momentum: Ambassador

Addis Ababa, April 26, 2023 (FBC) – The cooperation between Ethiopia and Russia in spheres of science, technology and education are gaining momentum, Ambassador Evgeny Terekhin said.

Ambassador of Russian Federation to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin exclusively told Fana Broadcasting Corporate that the collaboration between the two countries in the science and technology areas has a wide perspective and transforming to a higher level.

According to the Ambassador, the two countries are working together in areas of space science research and exploration, peaceful use of nuclear energy, biological expedition, among others.

“For instance, we have been working together for more than 40 years in biological expedition based on a clear strategy since 1987. During these periods, scientists of our two countries have been working under an enabling framework, and these efforts resulted in remarkable achievements in fundamental science,” he said.

“We are interested to support expedite these joint scientific activities under the initiative which has been put forward by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed,” the Ambassador noted.

Ambassador Evgeny explained that there is a plan put in place to establish a Russia-Ethiopia Institute of Biological Studies in the near future.

“An agreement drafted rafted for this specific purpose will be signed by the two sides very soon,” Evgeny Terekhin elaborated.

Based on the agreement signed between the Ethiopian Space Science Institute and the Russian Institute of Applied Mathematics a couple of years ago, the construction of the Entoto Space Observatory is nearing its completion, he said, adding that this joint project will be inaugurated soon.

“This Entoto Observatory will be equipped with Russian made telescopes and would help Ethiopian scientists explore objects in the outer space.

Recalled that Inter-governmental agreement on peaceful use of nuclear energy was signed between Ethiopia and Russia in 2019, the Ambassador added a roadmap of this cooperation has been adopted. “We are taking practical steps in this regard,” he underscored.

This peaceful nuclear energy initiative will provide Ethiopia with a good opportunity accelerate its ongoing activities in the fields of medicine, agriculture, among others, he explained.

Regarding cooperation between higher education institutions of the two countries, the Ambassador announced activities underway to create more direct links between universities of the Russian Federation and Ethiopia.

Once the proposed agreements signed between the institutions, the universities will exchange students and teachers and undertake joint community oriented research activities for the benefit of the two peoples, the Ambassador added.

By Wondesen Aregahegn