Ethiopia and Russia Formulate Agreement for Naval Cooperation

Ethiopia and Russia have agreed to collaborate in naval activities, focusing on training and capacity building. The agreement, signed during a visit by a Russian naval delegation, aims to enhance Ethiopia’s naval development and readiness. ENDF reported that both nations are committed to strengthening Ethiopia’s maritime capabilities to secure its interests in international waters.

Ethiopia and Russia have reached an agreement to explore cooperation in naval activities, particularly focusing on training and capacity building. This collaboration was discussed during a visit by a Russian delegation, led by Navy Deputy Commander Admiral Vladimir Vorobyev, to Ethiopian naval facilities in Bishoftu, located approximately 45 kilometers from Addis Abeba. In light of the discussions, both nations committed to advancing Ethiopia’s naval development and operational readiness.

The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) reported that the agreement was formulated to enhance bilateral collaboration in naval endeavors. Commodore Jemal Tufisa, the Ethiopian Navy’s Deputy Commander for Operations, noted that the partnership centers around delivering training and capacity building, highlighting Russia’s commitment to bolstering Ethiopia’s naval capabilities and safeguarding its interests at sea.

This marks a continuation of Russia’s engagement with Ethiopia, following a prior visit in February 2022 when a delegation led by Major General Ostrikov praised Ethiopia’s modernization efforts within its naval forces. The Russian delegation observed the progress being made in strengthening Ethiopia’s naval capabilities, reinforcing Ethiopia’s ambition to play a significant role in regional naval security.

In March 2022, during a visit to the Navy Basic Training School in Bishoftu, Rear Admiral Kindu Gezu, the then Commander-in-Chief of the Ethiopian Navy in formation, articulated the necessity of developing a capable navy to counter potential threats. He underscored the importance of rigorous training for navy personnel to enhance the operational effectiveness of Ethiopia’s maritime forces.

Ethiopia remains a landlocked nation in the Horn of Africa, but has made progress in naval training, graduating navy members in various technical fields in June 2023. While Ethiopia has sought to secure maritime access through a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, which includes plans for a military base on the Red Sea, advancements on that front are yet to be reported.

In conclusion, the recent agreement between Ethiopia and Russia signifies a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing Ethiopia’s naval capabilities through mutual training and cooperation. The ongoing efforts reflect Ethiopia’s commitment to developing a robust navy and contributing to maritime security in the Horn of Africa, despite its landlocked status. As Ethiopia continues to advance its naval operations, further developments in its collaboration with Russia are anticipated.

Original Source: addisstandard.com