Русский
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (July 7) and reaffirmed the “strategic” nature of their relationship following high-level talks in Addis Ababa, the Russian Foreign Ministry has stated, saying the meetings reinforced the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
Following the meeting, Abiy wrote 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.”
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 two sides also discussed preparations for the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Russia in October, and stated their commitment to closer coordination at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms.
Yesterday, also in Addis Ababa, Lavrov met with African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Russia and Ethiopia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1943. The two countries have steadily expanded cooperation in recent years. In March, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ethiopian leader Abiy agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and 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.
