🎙 Opening remarks by President of Russia Vladimir Putin during the meeting with Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the XVIII BRICS Summit (New Delhi, September 12, 2026)

💬 Vladimir Putin: I am glad to meet with you again.

I know that yesterday your country celebrated the beginning of the year 2019 according to the Ethiopian calendar, and, of course, I congratulate you and all the people of friendly Ethiopia on this occasion.

We are meeting today on the sidelines of #BRICS. We have just delivered our remarks, sharing our views on our organisation. Today, BRICS is a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at consolidating the positions of the global majority and shaping a fair #MultipolarWorld.

Ethiopia has been a full member of the organisation since January 1, 2024, and we are very pleased about this. It is symbolic that our Ethiopian friends began their practical work within BRICS mechanisms as Russia assumed the chairship. Since then, Ethiopia has made a constructive contribution to its diverse activities.

🤝 Turning to bilateral relations, I would like to emphasise once again that Ethiopia is Russia’s longstanding and reliable partner on the African continent. I am pleased to note that Russia-Ethiopia ties continue to develop on the principles of equality and mutual benefit. Mr Prime Minister, I would like to thank you for your significant personal contribution to strengthening our ties.

Our bilateral trade has gained considerable momentum. In 2025, trade more than tripled and continues to grow. This is a good result.

We attach great importance to humanitarian cooperation. More than 20,000 of your citizens have received an education in Russia, providing a very solid foundation for our future cooperation in this area.

🌍 Of course, Russia attaches particular importance to the comprehensive development of relations with African countries as a whole. Ethiopia has played an active part in the #RussiaAfrica Summits. As we agreed, we look forward to welcoming you to the Third Summit, which will take place in Moscow on October 28-29 this year, where we will hold another bilateral meeting. Today, we have an opportunity to discuss the full range of our relations.

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🇷🇺🇪🇹 #RussiaEthiopia