Addis Ababa, October 29, 2026 (FMC) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed the growing partnership between Russia and Ethiopia, highlighting a sharp rise in bilateral trade and continued cooperation on international and multilateral issues during talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Moscow.
Speaking at their meeting on October 28 on the sidelines of the Third Russia–Africa Summit, Putin said bilateral trade exceeded $1.3 billion in January–September 2026, more than double the total recorded for the whole of 2025.
He also pointed to promising large-scale projects spanning energy, agriculture, industrial cooperation, peaceful exploration of outer space, science, healthcare and education, identifying broad areas for further development of relations between the two countries.
“I value the friendly relations between Russia and Ethiopia, as well as our personal contacts, which are always substantive and constructive,” Putin said, recalling his September meeting with PM Abiy on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where the two leaders reviewed key areas of bilateral cooperation.
Putin also emphasized the countries’ engagement on international affairs, stating that “Russia and Ethiopia stand together in international affairs.” He cited their continued dialogue at the United Nations, within BRICS and in other multilateral forums.
Addressing broader Russia–Africa relations, Putin said Moscow fully supports Africa’s emergence as “one of the key centres of the new multipolar world order.” He identified expanded trade and economic cooperation, food and energy security, and healthcare development as priorities in Russia’s engagement with African countries.
Putin also wished Ethiopia success in hosting the 2027 United Nations climate change conference in Addis Ababa, expressing support for the country’s preparations for the major international event.
Russia and Ethiopia have maintained engagement through successive Russia–Africa summits, with Ethiopia participating in the first summit in Sochi in 2019 and the second in St. Petersburg in 2023.
The Third Russia–Africa Summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of a declaration and a new Action Plan for the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum covering 2027–2029.
Putin said the meeting with PM Abiy offered an opportunity to continue discussions on strengthening the countries’ multifaceted relations and addressing current regional and international issues.