Addis Ababa, May 30, 2026 (FMC) — The Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, has emphasized that sustainable development and meaningful progress cannot be realized in the absence of dependable peace at both continental and regional levels.
Field Marshal Berhanu Jula made the remarks in Addis Ababa during high-level discussions with a visiting Mozambican military delegation focused on advancing the implementation of an existing bilateral military cooperation agreement.
The delegation, headed by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Defence of Mozambique (FADM), General Julio dos Santos Jane, was received at the ENDF Headquarters in the capital, where both sides held consultations on strengthening defense and security collaboration.
The talks brought together senior military officials from Ethiopia and Mozambique and centered on consolidating institutional ties and expanding areas of practical cooperation.
Field Marshal Berhanu Jula underlined that the historical relationship between Ethiopia and Mozambique is anchored in Pan-African ideals, unity, and shared resilience, noting that this long-standing foundation continues to guide their contemporary partnership.
He further observed that relations between the two countries have recently gained renewed momentum, reflecting a deeper level of engagement and cooperation across multiple fronts.
According to the ENDF Chief of Staff, closer bilateral coordination plays a critical role in reinforcing peace and security across the region, and should be sustained through consistent and structured engagement.
He also reiterated that economic development and prosperity are closely tied to stability, stressing the importance of joint action in addressing shared security challenges.
In this regard, he pointed to enhanced collaboration in counterterrorism efforts, cybersecurity, and broader defense cooperation as key priority areas for both countries.
General Julio dos Santos Jane, for his part, said the growing partnership between Ethiopia and Mozambique in military and security affairs contributes positively to broader continental peace and stability efforts.
He added that strengthened ties with Ethiopia would further support capacity-building efforts through expanded opportunities in training, education, and professional exchange within the defense sector.
Major General Teshome Gemechu, who also took part in the discussions, said the meeting focused on translating the existing cooperation agreement into actionable frameworks while outlining future areas of collaboration.
He noted that Ethiopia’s sustained commitment to regional peace and development has continued to attract interest from partner countries, including Mozambique, seeking deeper institutional engagement with the ENDF.
He further explained that the dialogue, held in the context of ongoing reforms within the defense establishment, is expected to reinforce structured cooperation mechanisms and enhance mutual institutional benefit.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening defense cooperation as part of broader efforts to advance peace, stability, and shared development objectives at regional and continental levels.