Rwanda has become the latest country to sign a defense cooperation agreement with Ethiopia, formalized by Field Marshal Berhanu Jula and Lieutenant General Mubarak Muganga. This agreement aims to enhance military collaboration, particularly in counterterrorism and training. Similar agreements have been established recently between Ethiopia and other nations, including Kenya and Qatar.
On Thursday, a defense cooperation agreement was signed between Rwanda and Ethiopia, solidifying their military collaboration. Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), and Lieutenant General Mubarak Muganga, Rwanda’s Army Chief of Staff, facilitated the agreement during discussions between senior defense officials from both nations.
The recently signed agreement focuses on multiple facets of military cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism, training, and enhancing military capacities. Major General Teshome Gemechu of the ENDF highlighted that Ethiopia and Rwanda have maintained a long-standing partnership in military affairs, aiming to strengthen these ties further.
Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa from the Rwanda Defense Force echoed this sentiment, reiterating the commitment to deepening military relations. He acknowledged Ethiopia’s historical support for Rwanda during critical moments, emphasizing the strategic importance of their collaboration.
This latest agreement places Rwanda among a growing list of nations with which Ethiopia has established similar military partnerships. In November of the previous year, Kenya’s military delegation signed an agreement to enhance their defense cooperation with Ethiopia, focusing on areas of mutual security interest.
Further military discussions took place in March with Qatar, where Ethiopian defense officials explored opportunities to bolster military relations during the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition. Previous engagements also included talks with South Africa and South Sudan, indicating Ethiopia’s proactive approach to forming regional military alliances.
In summary, the defense cooperation agreement between Rwanda and Ethiopia signifies a crucial step in enhancing military partnerships within the region. By collaborating on counterterrorism, training, and capacity building, both nations aim to reinforce their longstanding ties and improve security measures. This agreement reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering strategic military collaborations with several countries, thus promoting stability and mutual support in defense matters.
Original Source: addisstandard.com