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Ethiopia is revitalizing and reinforcing its long-standing relationship with Russia, a partnership that dates back over a century, through a new phase of diplomatic and economic collaboration. This renewed engagement underscores Russia’s expanding footprint across Africa, and Ethiopia’s shifting global strategy.
In a recent official visit to Moscow, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timothewos, held high-level discussions with senior Russian officials, focusing on bolstering cooperation in key sectors such as trade, energy, and nuclear technology. The meetings signal Ethiopia’s intention to diversify its international partnerships while tapping into Russian expertise and investment.
According to Ethiopia’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, the visit marks a pivotal moment in Addis Ababa’s foreign policy—emphasizing a commitment to deepen strategic ties not only in commerce but also in scientific and technological development. This move aligns with Ethiopia’s broader ambition to transition into a more industrialized and globally integrated economy.
One of the focal points of the talks was Ethiopia’s economic reform and its pursuit of full membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Russia’s Minister of Economic Development, Maksim Reshetnikov, expressed unequivocal support for Ethiopia’s WTO accession, which would represent a significant milestone in the East African nation’s global economic integration agenda.
Beyond trade discussions, the visit underscored growing cooperation in nuclear energy. Ethiopia and Russia’s state-owned nuclear agency, Rosatom, have made steady progress since their 2019 cooperation roadmap. Notably, in September 2025, Rosatom and the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation formalized an action plan to construct Ethiopia’s first nuclear power plant. This project is seen as a strategic step toward diversifying the country’s energy sources, which are currently heavily reliant on hydropower—an increasingly vulnerable option amid climate uncertainties.
Russia’s expanding role in Africa’s energy and defense sectors has become more evident in recent years. It has signed nuclear cooperation agreements with several African nations, including Egypt, Nigeria, and Rwanda. These partnerships often go hand-in-hand with military and defense collaborations, reflecting a wider realignment in African foreign relations, where many states are pivoting from traditional Western alliances to new relationships with Russia and China.
For Ethiopia, these developments come on the heels of its formal accession into the BRICS group—an influential bloc composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The membership not only signals Ethiopia’s rising geopolitical stature but also opens access to alternative global markets and development financing models outside the Western-dominated financial system.
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Foreign Minister Gedion’s visits to Moscow served as a strong declaration of Ethiopia’s strategic intent on the international stage. His engagements with Russian counterparts communicated a clear message: Ethiopia is not merely seeking short-term bilateral deals but is working toward establishing a long-term, strategic partnership with Russia—one that supports national sovereignty, accelerates industrial growth, and strengthens its position in an increasingly multipolar world.
This evolving relationship represents Ethiopia’s effort to recalibrate its global alliances, tapping into emerging power centers to bolster domestic development and secure a more influential role in global affairs.
