Putin, Abiy Discuss Cooperation After Ethiopia Disaster via Phone

A March 16 phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscores a steady expansion of bilateral ties between the two BRICS countries.

According to a Kremlin readout released on March 16, the two leaders reviewed cooperation across political, trade, economic, and humanitarian sectors, following up on agreements reached during Abiy’s visit to Moscow in September 2025.

Both sides agreed to intensify coordination between ministries and government agencies, reinforcing a structured bilateral agenda.

President Putin also conveyed condolences over a deadly landslide in southern Ethiopia that caused significant casualties and destruction.

The conversation builds on a September 2025 agreement to advance cooperation on Ethiopia’s planned nuclear power program. The action plan, signed in Moscow, outlines collaboration between Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom and Ethiopian Electric Power on developing a nuclear facility.

“Our Goal is Clear: A Safe, Transparent, and Exemplary Nuclear Program for Ethiopia’s Bright Future” Abiy had said at the time, emphasizing the strategic importance of the project.

The agreement was formalized during his Moscow visit, where Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev and Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos exchanged documents.

The nuclear initiative sits alongside broader cooperation in energy, agriculture, healthcare, and defense, reflecting Ethiopia’s push to diversify partnerships and expand infrastructure capacity.

Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party described the exchange as a “productive call” addressing bilateral issues and other matters of mutual interest. Abiy also confirmed on social media that the discussion covered cooperation and broader shared concerns, though without providing additional operational detail.

The call follows a series of recent diplomatic engagements. Abiy spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the preceding week, where discussions focused on regional stability, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation in the Horn of Africa, according to a U.S. State Department readout attributed to spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

The Russia call also follows earlier engagement at the 16th BRICS Summit, where Putin and Abiy highlighted expanding trade ties. Putin has described Ethiopia as a “long-standing and reliable partner,” noting that diplomatic relations date back to 1898.