Ethiopia, South Africa to boost military cooperation

Addis Ababa, September 8, 2023 (FBC) – Chief of the General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, stated that Ethiopia and South Africa are poised to boost their military cooperation.

Field Marshal Birhanu Jula and his delegation have returned home concluding their working visit to South Africa.

During his stay in South Africa, Field Marshal Birhanu had meetings with South African Defense Minister, Thandi Modise, National Defense Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, commanders of Air Force, commanders of Special Forces and ammunition and technology companies.

Field Marshal Birhanu stated that the relationship between Ethiopia and South Africa is historical and longstanding, recalling that Ethiopia had provided training and technical support to South African freedom fighters during their struggle against the apartheid system.

He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthen military cooperation and experience sharing with South Africa.

South African National Defense Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya , for his part, said Ethiopia is the founder of Pan-Africanism which set an example for other African countries in fighting colonialism, pledging continued military cooperation between the two countries.