Russia is committed to deepening partnership with African countries, including Ethiopia, in social, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, all the while based on principles of equality and mutual trust, said Evgeny Terekhin, Russia's ambassador in Addis Ababa.
Terekhin made the remarks at a preparatory meeting for the Second Russia-Africa Summit in the Ethiopian capital. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Russian government, the business community and high-ranking Ethiopian officials.
The ambassador underlined the continuous political dialogue between Russia and African nations, highlighting their commitment to strengthening traditional relations in economic and technical areas.
"The political dialogue between the Russian Federation and African nations has not stopped for a single moment since the establishment of the traditional relations between the two sides," Terekhin stressed. "We are committed to strengthen our traditional relations with African nations in economic technical areas based on principles of equality and mutual trust."
He also mentioned efforts to promote trade relations between Russia and African countries by facilitating the use of national currencies.
"We are working to facilitate conditions that would enable us to employ national currencies of countries to expedite trade ties between African nations," the diplomat said.
For his part, Igor Morozov, a member of the Upper Chamber of the Russian Federal Assembly and chairman of the Coordinating Committee for Economic Cooperation with African Countries (AFROCOM), acknowledged Africa's productive young population and vast resources.
He reiterated his country's determination to expand cooperation with Ethiopia and other African countries in various domains, despite the West's attempts to sever ties.
"The West has been trying to sever the ties between Russia and Africa, but our relationship has thrived withstanding all challenges," the Russian lawmaker noted.
Regarding the partnership between Moscow and Addis Ababa, Senator Morozov emphasized that Russian companies have expressed their readiness to contribute to the Ethiopian economy, especially in the production and assembly of cars, tractors and agricultural equipment.
In addition, Morozov pledged to attract more investment to Ethiopia and praised the country's aspirations to join the BRICS bloc. He also mentioned that ROSCOSMOS, the Russian space agency, would share its extensive expertise in space science and research with the Ethiopian side.
The lawmaker added that Moscow intends to establish a trade house in Addis Ababa to strengthen economic and investment ties.
In turn, Melaku Ezezew, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations of Ethiopia, emphasized the importance of strengthening economic and cultural ties between Africa and Russia.
"Cooperation with Russia in areas of science, trade and technology transfer is vital to Ethiopia so as to accelerate its economic growth and achieve development goals," Melaku pointed out.
The Second Russia-Africa Summit, to be held in the Russian city of St. Petersburg on July 27-28, is expected to provide a platform for comprehensive and equal cooperation between Russia and African countries, Morozov said.