Ethiopia is ready to step up security cooperation with Russia, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Wednesday.
"We see a number of areas in which we can continue to work. And in the case of continued cooperation, we can increase our ties, including in the security sphere. We will discuss some individual issues with you in more detail," Ahmed said at a meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia's Kazan.
Abiy Ahmed also praised Russia's economic resilience in the face of sanctions, citing it as an inspiring example for other nations. Additionally, the Ethiopian Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Putin for the excellent organization of the BRICS 2024 Summit in Kazan.
Ethiopia's Accession to BRICS Confirms Country's Authority in International Arena, Putin Says
Meanwhile, the Russian president remarked that Ethiopia's accession to BRICS affirms the country's standing and authority on the international stage, adding that Russia will continue to support Ethiopia's efforts within the BRICS alliance.
Moreover, Putin emphasized that Russia and Ethiopia share similar positions on many global issues, highlighting the strong alignment between the two countries. He also mentioned that Valentina Matvienko, the speaker of the Federation Council, Russia's upper house of parliament, is prepared to visit Ethiopia in the coming months, indicating a commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties.
Furthermore, he acknowledged that while mutual trade levels between Russia and Ethiopia are not yet optimal, the trade turnover is on an upward trajectory, reflecting positive growth dynamics.