PM Abiy discusses with President Putin

Addis Ababa, July 26, 2023 (FBC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) today held a bilateral meeting with the President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg.

The Prime Minister was received by President Vladimir Putin at the Konstantinovsky Palace near St. Petersburg.

The Prime Minister arrived ahead of the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit for a working visit during which a bilateral meeting was held between the two sides.

During the discussions, both leaders acknowledged the longstanding and historic relations between the two countries and expressed commitment to enhance trade ties, collaborate in the field of agriculture and manufacturing industries.

“My gratitude to President Vladimir Putin for the warm reception and candid discussions,” Prime Minister Abiy said via a twitter post.

“With our historical ties as a basis, Ethiopia and Russia will continue enhancing bilateral relations and economic cooperation,” he underscored.

For his part, President Putin said: “I am very glad to welcome you all to St. Petersburg. And at the outset I would like to say that we highly value the longstanding friendly ties between Russia and Ethiopia based on the principles of mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests.”

During their meeting the two leaders recalled Ethiopia was the first country on the African continent with which Russia entered into diplomatic relations, and that was 125 years ago.

President Putin also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy and his delegation for accepting the invitation to take part in the second Russia-Africa Summit.

Moreover, upon his arrival in St. Petersburg earlier today, Prime Minister Abiy laid flowers at the ‘Monument to heroic defenders of Leningrad’ honoring the fallen during the Second World War.