"Russia has been working with Africa since the struggle of decolonization of Africa for African independence of African countries. It was playing its part in our region to make a security step. So we expect a lot from Russia as to work with African nations in our region on fighting terrorism and extremism. And also, Russia can play its part to solve the conflict in the regions and making peacekeeping up to the level for the region. And then during the post-conflict development, I think we expect a lot from Russia, so Russia can play a lot, in this regard," the envoy stated.
"I really applaud the move of the Russian government […].This is a good move because there are many refugees and displaced people in Ethiopia. So if this is meant for humanitarian, I think it's a good move. It is only an act of humanity. I appreciate what Russia did," he stressed.
"This shows that the relationship between us is getting better and better. And this intensification of the official visits, I think is the manifestation of the cordial relationship between our two countries," Cham Ugala stated.
"The trade relations between Ethiopia and Russia are not up to the expectation of our bilateral relations,” the ambassador stressed. "And when you [look,] there is a lot of potential we have for Ethiopian to send its goods here and for Russia to send its products to Ethiopia, especially technology-wise."
"We need to make all efforts to increase the trade volume between the two countries,” the diplomat outlined. "So to do that, I think we need to [create a] mechanism, because we are facing challenges now, for example, the payment. Because of the sanctions imposed on Russia, the financial transactions are not easy. So I think that is very important, it's a key issue, for the two nations to talk, to sort out what mechanism they may put in place, to ease the transaction between businesses of the two countries."
"Sure, I think the payment system, the financial transaction, I think that this is one area that should be discussed during the summit," he noted.
"It is the high time now for Russians to come to Africa and work on economic issues," Cham Ugala stated. "Politically and diplomatically we are good, but we have to change these relations into economic issues, investment and trade issues, education, energy, science, technology. All these should be the areas. For example, the tourism area, these are the areas we should focus on. So I hope that the leaders will talk about it."
"Honorable Agegnehu Teshager spoke about the higher delegation of Ethiopia coming to this summit and the delegation will come over for sure," he said.