Russia boosts ties with new BRICS member
A senior delegation from Russia’s Federation Council, led by its chairperson Valentina Matviyenko, is on a three-day trip to Ethiopia where they have held talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
Among the Federation Council delegation is a high-ranking team that includes Maxim Reshetnikov, Russia’s Minister of Economic Development; Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health; representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Rosatom, and the Russian Academy of Sciences.
During the talks Matviyenko conveyed greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which he emphasized Russia’s commitment to fostering a constructive and enduring dialogue with Ethiopia.
“Ethiopia is a key partner for Russia in Africa, and we share a long history of mutually beneficial relations,” Matviyenko stated.
One of the primary objectives of the visit is to enhance collaboration between legislative bodies, streamline legal frameworks, and facilitate the ratification of intergovernmental agreements. The Russian delegation also aims to boost trade and economic ties, which have grown substantially.
“In 2024, trade turnover increased more than fourfold, with significant expansion in both exports and imports,” Matviyenko noted.
Russian businesses have expressed keen interest in Ethiopia’s energy, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors, as well as in nuclear energy initiatives.
Matviyenko extended an invitation to Ethiopia’s leadership to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow on May 9. The prime minister assured that either he or the country’s president, Taye Atske Selassie, would attend.
Matviyenko identified interregional cooperation as a promising area for development. After the talks she noted that Russia and Ethiopia share similar positions on key global issues.
“This is a country that does not bow to external pressures. Ethiopia asserts its sovereignty and has gained considerable authority on both the African and global stage. Its accession to BRICS speaks volumes and opens new avenues for cooperation in the UN and other international platforms,” she remarked.
