Ethiopia and Rwanda have signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing military collaboration across various sectors, emphasizing counterterrorism and training. This agreement builds upon their longstanding relationship and reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthen ties with multiple nations in the defense domain.
On Thursday, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, the Chief of the General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), and Lieutenant General Mubarak Muganga, the Rwandan Army Chief of Staff, formalized a defense cooperation agreement. This collaboration aims to strengthen ties in various military sectors, a continuation of their longstanding relationship.
The agreement emerged following discussions focused on potential collaborative avenues between senior officials of both nations. In a statement, Major General Teshome Gemechu, ENDF’s Director General of External Relations and Military Cooperation, emphasized that the two nations have engaged in military matters for years, and this agreement serves to enhance that cooperation.
Key areas of collaboration outlined in the agreement include counterterrorism efforts, training, and military capacity building programs. Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa from the Rwanda Defense Force noted the enduring partnership, praising Ethiopia for its support to Rwanda in critical times and confirming Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening military relations.
This defense cooperation agreement marks Rwanda as Ethiopia’s latest partner, joining others with similar agreements. Last November, a Kenyan military delegation agreed to enhance military collaboration with Ethiopia, and discussions also occurred with Qatar to bolster military ties. Previous dialogues included meetings with South Africa and South Sudan to establish strong foundations for military cooperation in their respective engagements.
In summary, the newly signed defense cooperation agreement between Ethiopia and Rwanda signifies a pivotal step in enhancing military collaboration in areas such as counterterrorism and training. This agreement not only underscores the historical ties between the two countries but also aligns with Ethiopia’s broader strategy to strengthen military relations with various nations, including Kenya, Qatar, and South Sudan.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
