AMN Plus-October 29,2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding relations with Ethiopia, highlighting growing bilateral trade, expanding economic cooperation, and shared positions on international and regional issues.
In remarks shared on the official social media page of Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Putin welcomed Ethiopia’s participation in the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, noting that Ethiopia had actively participated in the previous summits held in Sochi in 2019 and St. Petersburg in 2023.
“Our talks today are taking place during your visit to attend what is now the Third Russia–Africa Summit. I would like to thank you for finding the opportunity to come to Moscow once again,” Putin stated.
The Russian president emphasized the importance of the friendly relations between Russia and Ethiopia, as well as the constructive engagement between the two countries’ leaders.
He also recalled his recent meeting with the Ethiopian leadership on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September, where they reviewed key areas of bilateral cooperation.
Putin highlighted the significant growth in trade between the two countries, revealing that bilateral trade exceeded $1.3 billion during the first nine months of this year, more than double the total recorded throughout 2025.
He noted that the two countries have promising opportunities for large-scale cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including energy, agriculture, industry, peaceful space exploration, science, healthcare, and education.
The Russian president also underscored the importance of continued diplomatic coordination between the two countries in international forums, including the United Nations, BRICS, and other multilateral platforms.
Referring to Ethiopia’s preparations to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2027, Putin wished the country success in organizing the major international event.
Putin further reaffirmed Russia’s support for Africa’s emergence as one of the key centres of an increasingly multipolar world order. He emphasized that Russia would prioritize expanding trade and economic cooperation with African countries, strengthening food and energy security, and advancing healthcare development.
Putin said the summit provides an important opportunity for Russia and Ethiopia to continue discussions on strengthening their multifaceted bilateral relations and addressing pressing regional and international issues. He added that the two sides had already begun exchanging views on some of these matters during their one-on-one talks.
The Third Russia–Africa Summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of a declaration and a new Action Plan for the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum covering the 2027–2029 period.
By Birhanu Workneh
