Ethiopia-Russia relations continues on its upward trajectory: Ambassador

Addis Ababa, January 1, 2024 (FBC) – In his New Year message, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin stated that 2023 was a special year for the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Russia which celebrated their 125th anniversary.

“Our ties, having gone through fire and water, have evolved into a multifaceted partnership based on shared interests, reciprocal assistance and cooperation in various fields,” the Ambassador said.

Russian-Ethiopian ties are a unique example of interstate relations, which have been invariably marked by mutual trust, respect, solidarity, and friendship, according the Ambassador.

“Relation between our countries continues on its upward trajectory,” Ambassador disclosed. “We are observing a significant intensification of political dialogue at the high and highest levels, which is distinguished by its trust-based nature,” he noted.

“The meeting between the leaders of our states – President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed – in July this year became further evidence of this. The outcomes of the Second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum for Russian-Ethiopian relations also deserve high praise,” Ambassador Evgeny added.

On the sidelines of the St. Petersburg events, a whole range of bilateral agreements were signed in a variety of areas – from air services and information security to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and cooperation between customs services, he said.

“We are convinced that a great groundwork has been laid for the strengthening of the legal framework of our relations,” Ambassador Evgeny remarked.

The Ambassador underscored that maximum efforts are being exerted to bring trade, economic and investment interaction between the two countries to the proper level.

“I am confident that the meeting of the Co-Chairs of the Intergovernmental Russian-Ethiopian Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Trade Cooperation, as well as the Russian-Ethiopian Business Forum held on December 19-20 in Addis Ababa have given powerful impetus for the further development of our interaction across the entire spectrum of areas,” he pointed out.

“The potential of Russian-Ethiopian relations is enormous, and I have no doubt that through joint efforts and hard work we will be able to fully realize it. We are firmly committed to the enhancement of our cooperation with Ethiopia, our close and dear friend and time-tested partner. Undoubtedly, the momentous decision on Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS opens up broader prospects for deepening our interaction.”

“As the BRICS Chair in 2024, Russia intends to effectively implement the decisions taken at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, including those related to the expansion of the association. I am certain that your country’s participation in BRICS will provide new opportunities for the comprehensive growth of Ethiopia and will make a significant contribution to the development of the association itself,” the Ambassador added.