Ethiopia and Russia signed a military cooperation agreement today, Monday, after discussing various areas of partnership for three days, according to Ethiopian media. Martha Liuig, State Minister for Finance in the Ethiopian National Defense Force, stated that the signed agreement will be of utmost importance in elevating the long-standing relations between the two countries to a higher level.
According to the Ethiopian "Fana" network, the agreement will focus on enhancing the capabilities of the National Defense Forces in the areas of knowledge, skills, and technology. The 11th Ethiopian-Russian Military Technical Cooperation Forum reviewed activities undertaken since the 10th version of the forum and outlined guidelines for future endeavors, the network reported.
Last week, the joint military cooperative technical committee between Ethiopia and Russia began its 11th meetings in Addis Ababa, aiming to enhance military cooperation between the two countries to increase military knowledge, skills, and technologies employed. Liuig indicated that joint cooperation with Russia could be bolstered, especially following discussions between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
She added that the Russian government provided support to Ethiopia during the law enforcement operation in Tigray, considering it a domestic issue, as well as taking a supportive stance for Ethiopia on various international issues, including the recently held general elections and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The minister also expressed her hope that the outcomes of the meeting would contribute to creating a conducive atmosphere for achieving the interests of both countries.
