Core principles of Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy: Ethiopia-Russia relations
Ethiopia and Russia have longstanding historical relations going back to the period of the Russian Czar Machilovich, the father of Peter the Great, in the 17th century. It is also recorded that Alexander Pushkin, a renowned Russian writer, was a grandson of Abraham Hannibal, an Ethiopian who lived in Russia. Other early contacts between Russia and Ethiopia include the visit of an Ethiopian delegation sent by the Emperor Menilek II to Russia, and visits of several Russians to Ethiopia during Menilek’s reign, at least one of whom was given the title of Dejazmatch for his travels on behalf of the Emperor along Ethiopia’s southern boundaries. These contacts laid the foundation for the close relations of the two countries, based on mutual respect and friendship between the two peoples. And it is notable that regardless of the differing political systems that existed at various times, relations between them have continued to be close and friendly.
One demonstration of that friendship has been that Russia has always, and without fail, stood with Ethiopia whenever the sovereignty of Ethiopia was threatened. Russian solidarity with Ethiopia was first illustrated when the Russian Red Cross Society came to Ethiopia in 1896, at the time of the Battle of Adwa when Italy attempted to attack the country. It made an outstanding contribution in provision of medical supplies and care to the Ethiopian patriots on the battlefield and subsequently. Again, during the fascist invasion of Ethiopia in 1936, Russia was one of those countries which stood in solidarity with Ethiopia. It has done so on every occasion throughout the 20th century whenever Ethiopia faced challenges to its sovereignty and its core national security interests. In short, the bonds that exist between Ethiopia and Russia have stood the test of time and proven their strength time and again.
The most important historical landmarks of Ethio-Russia historical relations visible in Addis Ababa are the large plot of land granted for the construction of a Russian mission after the Battle of Adwa, where the Russian Embassy is still located, and the establishment of the Russian Hospital, now the Balcha Memorial Hospital. Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Russia were upgraded to Embassy level when both countries opened their respective embassies in Addis Ababa and Moscow in 1956. While relations between Ethiopia and Russia continued throughout the Imperial era, they were much closer during the Marxist, military regime of the Derg when both counties belonged to same ideological camp. With the change of government in Ethiopia and the collapse of the Soviet Union, relations were placed on a different footing, but they remained warm and friendly. In recent years, there have been increased exchanges of visits of high level officials between the two countries. Major visits have included Prime Minister Meles’s trip to Moscow in December 2001 and Foreign Minister Seyoum’s in November 2007; former Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail Kasyanov came to Ethiopia in September 2002; and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov came here in September 2006.
In order to strengthen their economic ties further, the two countries established a Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific, Trade and Technical Cooperation in 1999. The Commission held its first meeting in Moscow; and the second in 2002 in Addis Ababa. The third, in February 2008, was in Moscow and the fourth will take place in Addis Ababa at the end of this year. The main areas of cooperation covered under the Joint Commission include energy, mining, transport, agriculture, education, health, tourism and telecommunications. Although these meetings have taken place at both expert and ministerial levels, the results have not been as extensive as hoped. There is also considerable potential for enhanced trade and investment. Three major agreements, on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, Avoidance of Double Taxation, and Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment have been signed.
The major commodities Ethiopia exports to Russia include coffee, leather and leather products, and flowers. It imports industrial products, machinery, chemicals, and other capital goods from Russia. The trade balance favours Russia and the total trade volume of the two countries was nearly 2 billion birr in 2009. Currently, there are 23 investment projects registered in Ethiopia by Russian investors; 21 are in the pre-implementation stage, while two are under implementation. Total Russian investment in Ethiopia amounts to just over a billion birr as of August last year. Measures to expedite Russia’s ratification of the agreements on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment would help to further improve trade and investment relations. The priority areas of interest for Russian companies in Ethiopia include mining and mineral resources, oil and gas, gold, tantalum, heavy metals and platinum exploration as well as hydro and geothermal power generation. Russian companies have preferred to acquire mineral concessions rather than participating in international tenders. Given the long-standing relationship, and the priority that the RUS-AID programme gives to ex-socialist countries, it is expected Ethiopia will be one of the priority countries for Russian development cooperation. The fight against terrorism is another area where the two countries cooperate, and in this connection, Ethiopia is very appreciative of the highly effective cooperation in security areas which exists between the two countries. Equally, with the centuries of relationship, there is a lot more that can be done to further enhance our ties while fraternal relations between our two peoples continue to be anchored on a firm basis.
In the light of Russia’s historic interests in Africa, and its position in the UN Security Council, Ethiopia expects Russia to play an active role in issues relating to Africa in general and the Horn of Africa in particular. Indeed, Russian support for the Security Council sanctions imposed on Eritrea last December was decisive. It is in fact appropriate to express appreciation for Russia’s interest in the Horn of Africa. The appointment of a Special Envoy to Sudan also demonstrates the level of attention Russia has given to the sub-region, and there is no doubt that Russia could play a significant role in providing peace and stability in Somalia as well as Sudan.