Ethiopia a Long-Standing and Reliable Partner for #Russia in Africa, Says President Putin

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (FMC) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has described Ethiopia as a long-standing and reliable partner for Russia in Africa, highlighting the growing momentum in bilateral trade, education and broader relations between the two countries.

President Putin made the remarks during a meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, where the two leaders discussed the full spectrum of Ethiopia-Russia relations.

Welcoming Prime Minister Abiy, President Putin congratulated the Ethiopian leader and the Ethiopian people on the New Year, which Ethiopia celebrated on September 11.

President Putin said Ethiopia has made a constructive contribution to BRICS activities since becoming a full member of the grouping on January 1, 2024, noting that Ethiopia’s practical engagement in BRICS mechanisms began as Russia assumed the group’s chairship.

“Ethiopia has been a full member of the organization since January 1, 2024, and we are very pleased about this,” President Putin said, adding that Ethiopia has since been making a constructive contribution to BRICS’ multifaceted activities.

Turning to bilateral relations, President Putin said Russian-Ethiopian ties continue to develop on the principles of equality and mutual benefit.

“Ethiopia is a long-standing and reliable partner for Russia on the African continent,” he said, while expressing appreciation for Prime Minister Abiy’s personal contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries.

President Putin also highlighted the pace of growth in bilateral trade, saying trade turnover between Russia and Ethiopia had more than tripled by the end of 2025 and continued to increase.

“We have achieved a solid pace in mutual trade. By the end of 2025, trade turnover had more than tripled, and it continues to grow,” he said.

The Russian President also placed particular emphasis on the humanitarian dimension of the relationship, pointing to the longstanding educational links between the two countries.

More than 20,000 Ethiopian citizens have received their education in Russia, President Putin said, describing this as a valuable foundation for future humanitarian ties between the two countries.

Russia also attaches importance to developing relations with African countries as a whole, President Putin said, noting Ethiopia’s active participation in the Russia-Africa summits.

He said Russia looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Abiy to the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for October 28–29 in Moscow, where the two leaders will have another opportunity for bilateral discussions.

The Russian President also described the broader BRICS framework as a strategic partnership aimed at consolidating the positions of the Global Majority and shaping the contours of a just, multipolar world order.

The meeting in New Delhi comes as Ethiopia and Russia continue to engage through BRICS while advancing their bilateral relationship across political, economic and humanitarian spheres.

President Putin’s remarks underscore the expanding scope of Russia-Ethiopia relations, with rising trade and longstanding educational ties forming part of a broader partnership between Russia and one of Africa’s key diplomatic and political centers.