Ethiopia and Russia have agreed on a partnership to enhance naval cooperation, focusing on training and capacity building. The discussions led by Admiral Vorobyev resulted in a commitment to strengthen Ethiopia’s naval development. Despite Ethiopia being landlocked, recent advancements in naval training and collaborations aim to improve its maritime capabilities.
Ethiopia and Russia have initiated discussions for enhanced naval cooperation, concentrating on training and capacity building. This occurred during a visit by a Russian delegation to Ethiopia’s naval facilities in Bishoftu, located 45 km from Addis Ababa. The delegation was headed by Admiral Vladimir Vorobyev, the Deputy Commander of the Russian Navy, as reported by the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF).
The discussions culminated in a signed agreement aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s naval development and readiness. Ethiopian Navy Deputy Commander for Operations, Commodore Jemal Tufisa, highlighted the focus on training and emphasized Russia’s commitment to bolstering Ethiopia’s naval capabilities and protecting its maritime interests.
The agreement was co-signed by Admiral Vorobyev and Commodore Jemal. Prior engagement included a February 2022 visit by a Russian navy delegation, which acknowledged Ethiopia’s modernization efforts and institutional development within its navy. They voiced confidence in Ethiopia’s potential to contribute to regional maritime training efforts.
In March 2022, Rear Admiral Kindu Gezu, then Commander-in-Chief of the Ethiopian Navy in formation, affirmed the need for a capable navy to fend off threats, highlighting the importance of comprehensive training for naval personnel. Ethiopia, while landlocked, has graduated navy members trained in various disciplines over a two-year course.
Additionally, Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland aiming to secure maritime access and enhance its port capabilities. However, progress on this front has been limited, particularly regarding the establishment of a military base in the Red Sea region.
The recent agreement between Ethiopia and Russia marks a significant step towards bolstering Ethiopia’s naval capabilities through focused training and cooperation. This collaboration is vital for Ethiopia’s aims to enhance maritime security and operational readiness, especially in the Horn of Africa. The ongoing commitment to naval development reflects Ethiopia’s strategic interests in securing access to maritime routes and responding to regional security challenges.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
