Ethiopia and Russia to enhance cooperation in sports training and development

Addis Ababa, September 15, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Russia have agreed to expand their cooperation in the sports sector, building on their longstanding ties and partnership across various fields.

The agreement followed discussions between Ethiopia’s Minister of State for Culture and Sports, Nefisa Al-Mahdi, and the Russian Federation’s Minister of Sports, Mikhail Degtyarev.

During the meeting, Minister Nefisa underscored the historic relationship between the two countries and emphasized the need to extend this cooperation into the sports arena. She expressed Ethiopia’s interest in collaboration on sports development, professional training, sports science, nutrition, academy management, and technology transfer.

Minister Degtyarev, on his part, affirmed Russia’s commitment to working closely with Ethiopia to advance cooperation in the sector, noting that strengthened ties would open opportunities for mutual growth and exchange in sports.

Nefisa is currently leading Kin Ethiopia: Ethiopia Rising Art Troupe on a cultural diplomacy tour of Russia. The troupe staged performances in St. Petersburg and Moscow over the past week, showcasing Ethiopia’s music, dance, and traditions while promoting stronger cultural ties between the two nations.