Ethiopia, Azerbaijan explore deeper cooperation in defense industry dev’t

Addis Ababa, November 21, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Azerbaijan expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the defense industry as senior officials from both countries held talks in Addis Ababa on Thursday.

The two countries’ push for closer defense industry collaboration became clear following the arrival of an Azerbaijani delegation led by Defense Industry Minister Vugar Mustafayev for a working visit here in Addis Ababa.

Mustafayev met with Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Aisha Mohamed and other senior officials to explore potential areas of partnership in defense manufacturing and technology.

Aisha said Ethiopia is working to modernize and strengthen its defense industry infrastructure and is looking for partners that can support technology transfer, military production and industrial capacity building. She said Azerbaijan’s experience in defense technology and manufacturing aligns with Ethiopia’s ongoing priorities.

Mustafayev said Azerbaijan is ready to work closely with Ethiopia, particularly in defense industry development, and expressed his country’s interest in establishing a cooperative relationship in the sector.

He also invited Ethiopian officials to visit Azerbaijan’s military industrial facilities, the Ethiopian National Defense Forces’ online media team told Fana Digital.