Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, is set to visit Ethiopia from February 18-20, 2025, to enhance diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations. This visit underscores the deep historical ties between Russia and Ethiopia, the first African nation to establish diplomatic relations with Moscow.

Matvienko emphasizes the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to Ethiopia’s development. She highlights Ethiopia’s longstanding respect for the Soviet legacy, noting the USSR’s role in establishing key infrastructure, industrial projects, and military-technical collaboration. The visit is expected to reinforce these traditional partnerships while fostering new opportunities in contemporary fields.

Ethiopia’s recent admission to BRICS, coinciding with Russia’s presidency of the bloc, further cements its role as a key global player. Both nations share cultural and religious ties, with Orthodox Christianity as the predominant faith in both societies. The visit aims to build upon this shared heritage to advance strategic initiatives.

The anticipated outcome includes agreements on economic, technological, and diplomatic projects that will benefit both countries, reinforcing Ethiopia’s position as a strong bilateral and multilateral partner.