Russia and Ethiopia agree to deepen ‘strategic’ partnership

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have agreed to expand cooperation in trade, technology, infrastructure, and humanitarian projects

Russia and Ethiopia have reaffirmed the “strategic” nature of their relationship following high-level talks in Addis Ababa, the Russian Foreign Ministry has reported, saying the meetings reinforced the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos in Addis Ababa on Tuesday. 

Following the meeting, Abiy wrote on X that it was “a pleasure” to receive Lavrov and his delegation, adding that their discussions focused on bilateral relations and “exploring new opportunities for cooperation.”

It was a pleasure to meet with Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and his delegation this evening, during which our discussions focused on bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation. pic.twitter.com/HG2l5QARsc

— Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹 (@AbiyAhmedAli) July 7, 2026

The talks focused on expanding cooperation in a range of areas, with Moscow and Addis Ababa agreeing to promote direct business contacts and support joint projects in energy, transport infrastructure, digital technologies and telecommunications, information security, and agricultural production, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

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The two sides also discussed preparations for the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Russia in October, and reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination at the UN and other multilateral platforms.

Earlier in Addis Ababa, Lavrov also held consultations with African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

The minister arrived in Addis Ababa on Monday, kicking off his latest tour of Africa with a working visit to the Ethiopian capital. His previous trip to the country took place in July 2022.

Russia and Ethiopia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1943. The two countries have steadily expanded cooperation in recent years. 

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During a phone call in March, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ethiopian leader Abiy reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and agreed to step up contacts at various levels. Bilateral trade almost tripled in 2025, exceeding $435 million, driven by growing Russian exports of fertilizers and machinery and increased Ethiopian coffee shipments to Russia.