Ethiopian and Russian navies are collaborating on naval development, with a focus on training and capacity building. Led by Admiral Vladimir Vorobyev, a recent delegation visit resulted in a signed agreement to enhance cooperation. Commodore Jemal Tufisa affirmed the commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s naval capabilities. Ethiopia aims to modernize its navy despite being landlocked, highlighted by recent training initiatives and collaborations.
The Ethiopian and Russian navies have initiated discussions regarding potential cooperation, primarily centered around training and capacity-building efforts. This dialogue took place during a recent visit of a Russian delegation, led by Navy Deputy Commander Admiral Vladimir Vorobyev, to Ethiopian naval facilities in Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometers south of Addis Abeba. The visit resulted in a firm commitment from both nations to enhance Ethiopia’s naval development and operational readiness.
During these discussions, Ethiopian Navy Deputy Commander for Operations, Commodore Jemal Tufisa, highlighted the focus of the cooperation, stating that it aims to fortify Ethiopia’s naval capabilities. He remarked on the Russian navy’s pledge to assist in strengthening naval development and protecting Ethiopian interests in international waters. The formal agreement to enhance collaborative efforts between the two navies was signed by Commodore Jemal and Admiral Vladimir Vorobyov.
A previous Russian delegation had visited the Ethiopian Navy General Directorate in February 2022, where they acknowledged Ethiopia’s strides toward modernizing its naval capabilities. Major General Ostrikov, who led the earlier delegation, commended Ethiopia’s pursuit of a robust naval institution, emphasizing the importance of building a formidable maritime defense in the Horn of Africa.
In March 2022, Rear Admiral Kindu Gezu, then Commander-in-Chief of the Ethiopian Navy, stated Ethiopia was developing a navy capable of countering both internal and external threats. He encouraged naval trainees to leverage their education, both domestically and internationally, to enhance their capabilities effectively.
Despite being a landlocked nation, Ethiopia has made significant advancements in naval training, with recent graduations of navy members specializing in various fields such as Navigation, Engineering, and Communications. Furthermore, Ethiopia is engaged in broader efforts, having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland aimed at securing maritime access and diversifying port avenues; however, tangible progress on this front remains to be seen.
In summary, Ethiopia is actively working towards strengthening its naval capabilities in cooperation with Russia, focusing on training and development initiatives. The discussions and agreements underscore both nations’ commitment to enhancing Ethiopia’s maritime readiness and safeguarding its interests in international waters. Despite existing challenges as a landlocked country, Ethiopia shows promise in modernizing its naval forces and building a strong defense framework.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
