Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, focusing on bolstering the strategic partnership between the two nations across critical sectors. Their high-level bilateral session covered defense and security cooperation, expanded trade and investment, educational exchanges, technology transfer, and cultural ties. Both leaders also affirmed their commitment to joint efforts addressing climate change, aligning international sustainable development goals, and coordinating strategic preparations for the upcoming COP32 conference.
Expanding his diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Abiy held key consultations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen longstanding bilateral ties. The discussions focused on enhancing defense cooperation, capacity building, technology transfer, and critical mineral development, alongside collaborative planning for COP32. The Ethiopian leader noted that despite deep-rooted historical connections, substantial untapped opportunities remain across technology, skill development, and infrastructure investments to advance mutual economic growth.
Addressing pressing regional dynamics, Prime Minister Abiy engaged in bilateral talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, prioritizing stability and security across the Red Sea and the broader Horn of Africa. Both leaders emphasized the necessity of diplomatic dialogue to support long-term regional peace. Parallel discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim centered on expanding economic ties, particularly by leveraging Malaysia’s industrial park management expertise, productivity strategies, and manufacturing capabilities, while also advancing joint goals in tourism and renewable energy.
Further broadening Ethiopia’s multilateral engagement, Prime Minister Abiy conferred with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on deepening UAE-Ethiopia economic partnerships, and held talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on expanding trade frameworks. Addressing the broader assembly, Prime Minister Abiy reaffirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to leverage the bloc’s vast resources, technology exchanges, and market size, highlighting BRICS’ potential to transform collective efforts into economic resilience.
The active engagement of Ethiopian delegates in New Delhi highlights the growing diplomatic influence of the expanded BRICS+ alliance. By cultivating partnerships with both core members and partner states, Ethiopia aims to consolidate its role as a key East African economic hub while attracting targeted foreign direct investment. These diplomatic efforts reflect a broader shift among Global South nations toward enhanced economic self-reliance, regional stability, and coordinated climate responses.
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