Ethiopia, Russia renew commitment to partnership with new cooperation protocols

Addis Ababa, November 12, 2025 (FMC) — The 9th meeting of the Ethiopia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Trade Cooperation concluded today with the signing of renewed cooperation protocols aimed at strengthening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.

The session wrapped up with the adoption of the meeting’s agreed minutes and the signing of two key documents — the Results of Bilateral Negotiations on Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and a Protocol extending the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement initially signed for the 2013–2017 period.

Ethiopia’s delegation was led by Belete Molla, Minister of Innovation and Technology and Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Commission, who signed the documents on behalf of the Ethiopian government. Senior officials attending the session included Bruk Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings; Takele Uma, CEO of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Company; and Hilina Belachew, CEO of the Ethiopian Railway Corporation.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of decisions from the 8th Joint Commission Meeting held in December 2022 and discussed new measures to accelerate execution in the coming years.

The agreed minutes encompassed broad areas of cooperation, including economy, finance, energy, technology, and transport, reflecting the shared commitment to deepen bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both peoples.

Both parties also agreed to hold the 10th Session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission in Ethiopia in 2026, underscoring their continued dedication to advancing strategic cooperation and partnership.