The diplomatic relations between Russia and Ethiopia date back to 1898. The first Russian diplomatic mission was in Addis Ababa in 1898-1917. Severed in 1917, diplomatic relations had not been renewed until April 1943.

Before 1991, bilateral ties had been governed mostly by the 1978 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

The first trade and cooperation agreement signed by the USSR and Ethiopia dates back to 1959. The document triggered dynamic development of trade and economic ties that peaked in the 1970s.

The USSR assisted Ethiopia in 20-plus large-scale projects, i.e. construction of a number of industrial facilities, large power installations, and a polytechnic college, as well as geological exploration project of considerable scale. Particularly significant assistance was rendered to Ethiopia when the country struggled with the aftermaths of famine and drought persisted multiple years in the 1980s.

Another milestone came in 1995 when the partners founded a bilateral Intergovernmental Committee on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Research Cooperation.

In 2001, the partners signed a Declaration on the Principles of Friendship and Partnership.

Next year marked another milestone in bilateral relations - Russia and Ethiopia signed a Mid-term Program for Development of Trade & Economic and Scientific & Technical Cooperation.

As of today, Ethiopia runs around 20 registered projects with full or partial involvement of Russian investors.

Military and technical cooperation between Russia and Ethiopia has been on and off through all these years. In 1970-1990, Russia exported military equipment worth a total of $5.2 bln. to Ethiopia. Not least significant was assistance, both practical and advisory in nature, rendered by the USSR to Ethiopia in repelling the Somalian aggression in 1977-1978.

In 1998-1999, Ethiopia received Russian Su fighters, Mi helicopters, artillery systems, T-55 tanks, MANPADS’s, and other weapons.

Ethiopia hosts a representative office of Rostec, Russia’s state corporation, that also projects Rosoboronexport’s interests in the country. 

Telephone number of the office: (+25111) 651-84-76, fax: (+25111) 667-88-97, e-mail: rep4349@rostec.ru