Russia Reaffirms Commitment to Continued Space Cooperation with Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, April 15, 2026 (FMC) — Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with Ethiopia in space science and related technologies, underscoring prospects for deeper institutional collaboration between the two countries.

The message was conveyed during a ceremony in Addis Ababa marking the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s first human spaceflight, jointly organized by the Russian Embassy in Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI).

Speaking at the event, Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin highlighted that Russia views space cooperation with Ethiopia as part of its broader approach to equitable engagement with partner countries. He noted that advancements in Russia’s space industry are intended both to support domestic socio-economic objectives and to strengthen international collaboration in scientific and technological fields.

He further stated that Moscow sees strong prospects for expanded cooperation in multilateral frameworks, including potential collaboration between the Russian State Space Corporation (Roscosmos) and SSGI.

The ambassador also reflected on the significance of Yuri Gagarin’s legacy, describing the first human spaceflight as a milestone that continues to inspire global efforts in space exploration and scientific progress.

Director General of SSGI Abdisa Yilma said discussions between SSGI and Roscosmos are ongoing, and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s priority to advance cooperation toward the establishment of a Satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) center in Ethiopia.

The ceremony included the laying of flowers at the bust of Yuri Gagarin, as well as a recorded message of congratulations from Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station.