Ethiopia and Rwanda have signed a defense cooperation agreement to enhance military collaboration, focusing on counterterrorism and training. This agreement reflects their longstanding relationship and is part of Ethiopia’s broader strategy of strengthening military ties with other nations, including Kenya, Qatar, South Africa, South Sudan, and the UAE.
On Thursday, Rwanda joined Ethiopia in enhancing military collaboration by signing a defense cooperation agreement. Field Marshal Berhanu Jula of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and Lieutenant General Mubarak Muganga, Rwanda’s Army Chief of Staff, signed the agreement after discussions aimed at identifying collaborative military opportunities during Muganga’s visit to Ethiopia.
The agreement covers key areas of military collaboration, including counterterrorism, training, and military capacity building programs. According to Major General Teshome Gemechu of the ENDF, this agreement seeks to strengthen the longstanding military partnership between Ethiopia and Rwanda, which has endured for several years.
Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa from the Rwanda Defense Force emphasized the historical relationship between the two nations, stating that Ethiopia has always been a reliable ally in times of crisis. He expressed Rwanda’s eagerness to further develop military ties with Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s defense cooperation agreements are not limited to Rwanda. In November 2022, a military delegation from Kenya, led by General Charles Kahariri, discussed ways to enhance military collaboration, focusing on regional security and stability. During the same month, Ethiopia engaged with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, to bolster military relations.
Further military agreements include a meeting between Field Marshal Berhanu and his South African counterpart, addressing foundational military cooperation. Additionally, Ethiopia has formalized defense cooperation with South Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting an expanding network of military partnerships in the region.
The recent defense cooperation agreement between Rwanda and Ethiopia marks a significant step in their military relationship, focusing on collaboration in counterterrorism and training. This agreement is part of a broader strategy by Ethiopia to enhance military ties with multiple nations, as evidenced by previous agreements with Kenya, Qatar, South Africa, South Sudan, and the UAE. Such collaborations aim to strengthen regional security and address mutual interests in defense.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
