Ethiopian Foreign Minister highlights importance of nuclear power plant agreement with Russia

Talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timotheos were held in Moscow. Following the meeting, the parties held a joint press conference.

According to Lavrov, the sides agreed to promote the intensification of trade and economic cooperation and to advance mutually beneficial projects in the energy sector, including nuclear energy.

The Russian minister emphasised the importance of educational ties, noting that Russia is ready to increase annually the number of scholarships offered to Ethiopian students. The head of the Russian foreign policy department also drew attention to the active development of a new area of cooperation – interaction between the media.

The parties also discussed coordination at international platforms.

"If we talk about shaping a multipolar world order and defending the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect, BRICS is gaining increasing importance. Since last year, Ethiopia has been a full member of this group, and we already have close contacts there"

Sergey Lavrov Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia

Timotheos thanked his counterpart for the hospitality and expressed hope for maintaining the positive momentum achieved in their further cooperation.

“We noted with satisfaction that trade turnover between our countries is growing, but the potential for economic interaction is much broader. There are many areas where the parties could fully realise opportunities to expand trade and investment ties,” said the head of Ethiopia’s foreign policy department.

He noted that the agreement on the construction of Ethiopia’s first nuclear power plant has become an important stage in strengthening the partnership between the two countries. According to him, this will contribute to consolidating the republic’s energy leadership in the region.

In September, a meeting took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The parties signed a roadmap for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Ethiopia.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia