Post #27934

New Year Message by H.E. Mr. Evgeny Terekhin, Ambassador of Russia to Ethiopia (The Ethiopian Herald, January 1, 2026): Reflecting on the events of the expiring year 2025 I can state with full responsibility that we have witnessed not merely another calendar cycle, but a profound shift in the architecture of our bilateral ties. The history of Russian-Ethiopian diplomatic relations, which spans over a century, has known various periods. Yet, the current stage is characterized by an unprecedented synchronization of the political agendas of Moscow and Addis Ababa against the backdrop of an emerging polycentric world order. Over the past year, our interaction has effectively approached the level customarily defined in diplomacy as a strategic partnership, enriched with deep mutual benefit and shared values, which is particularly vital amidst global turbulence. The political tone of the year was set by an intensive high-level dialogue, culminating in the September talks between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed in Moscow. This meeting not only reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of both nations to a sovereign foreign policy but also laid the foundation for large-scale initiatives. Significant milestones reinforcing this course included the visit of the Chairperson the Council of Federation Valentina Matvienko to Addis Ababa in February, and the participation of FDRE President Taye Atske Selassie in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 as well as political consultations between heads of Foreign Ministries of our two countries. ... In 2025, the economic track made a qualitative leap, transforming political agreements into tangible reality. Statistics impartially record that within just the first eight months of the year, trade turnover exceeded the 400 million dollar mark, demonstrating nearly threefold growth compared to the same period of the previous year. We are decisively improving the structure of our bilateral trade: today, 70 percent of Russian exports consist of high-tech products. The 9th session of the Intergovernmental Commission held in November provided the institutional basis for flagship projects: agreements involving industry giant such as RUSAL and RWB (Wildberries) open an era of modern industrial development and digital logistics in Ethiopia. Furthermore, the Action Plan signed with Rosatom moves the vision of peaceful use of nuclear energy in Ethiopia from the realm of theory to practical engineering implementation. ... A vivid confirmation of this was the International Conference on Ensuring Food Sovereignty of African Countries held in November, where the Russian delegation presented concrete mechanisms to liberate the continent from food imports dependence. An equally significant event, piercing the information blockade of Western mainstream media, was the first African Media Prize, brilliantly organized by RT in December in the Ethiopian capital. This event, alongside the opening of the Sputnik agency hub and the launch of Amharic radio broadcasting, marks the end of the era of a monopoly on the information flows. This will undoubtedly help our peoples hear each other better. ... It must be acknowledged that this qualitative renewal of our cooperation took place against an extremely complex and dramatic global background. The passing year was marked by escalating international tensions, attempts to undermine the foundations of strategic stability, and unprecedented sanctions pressure on those who dare to choose their own development path. It is all the more valuable that in this raging ocean of geopolitical storms, the Russian-Ethiopian partnership remains an island of stability, mutual trust, and constructive endeavor. May the coming year 2026 bring peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Ethiopia, and may our friendship, tempered by history and modern challenges, continue to serve as a reliable pillar for the both countries in a changing world. Read in full