Ethiopia and Russia reinforce strategic military partnership.

Ethiopia and Russia have reinforced their military alliance following high-level talks in Moscow on Monday. Ethiopia’s Chief of the General Staff, Birhanu Jula, led a delegation that met with Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin to discuss ongoing defense cooperation, regional security, and future military partnerships. The Ethiopian delegation includes Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa, Commander-in-Chief of the Ethiopian Air Force.According to Russian media outlets, the two sides committed to strengthening professional communication, implementing existing agreements, and deepening collaboration. The meeting also covered topics of shared interests in regional stability and the growing strength of defense relations between the two countries.In March this year, a Russian delegation led by Russian Navy Deputy Commander Admiral Vladimir Vorobyev visited the Ethiopian naval facilities in Bishoftu, 45 km south of the capital Addis Abeba, during which the two countries discussed cooperation focusing on training and capacity building to strengthening Ethiopia’s naval development and readiness.A Russian navy delegation first visited the Ethiopian Navy General Directorate and held discussions with Ethiopian officials in February 2022. Major General Ostrikov of the delegation said at the time the delegation witnessed Ethiopia’s efforts to modernize the Ethiopian Navy and build a strong institution for which “Ethiopians can be collectively proud of.”