Rwanda and Ethiopia have signed a defense cooperation agreement to enhance military collaboration. The agreement, signed during Lieutenant General Mubanga’s visit, focuses on areas such as counterterrorism and military training. This partnership reflects Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ethiopia, complementing Ethiopia’s broader strategy of forming military alliances with various nations.
Rwanda has recently entered into a defense cooperation agreement with Ethiopia, affirming its commitment to collaborative military efforts. Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), and Lieutenant General Mubarak Muganga, Army Chief of Staff of Rwanda, signed the agreement during Lt. Gen. Mubanga’s official visit to Ethiopia. Discussions pertaining to mutual collaboration preceded this formal agreement, highlighting the longstanding military partnership between the two nations.
Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of External Relations and Military Cooperation at the ENDF, expressed that Ethiopia and Rwanda have maintained military cooperation for numerous years and that this new agreement aims to strengthen their ties further. Specific areas of collaboration identified include counterterrorism efforts, military training, and capacity-building programs, which are essential for enhancing each nation’s defense readiness.
Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa, representing the Rwanda Defense Force, emphasized the enduring and robust relationship with Ethiopia, commending Ethiopia’s consistent support for Rwanda during challenging times. He reiterated Rwanda’s dedication to enhancing its military collaboration with Ethiopia, marking this agreement as a crucial step forward in their military relations.
The signing of this agreement positions Rwanda as the latest nation to establish similar defense partnerships with Ethiopia. In November of the previous year, a military delegation from Kenya, led by General Charles Kahariri, underscored their intention to strengthen military collaboration, enhancing regional security stability. Additionally, in March, Qatar’s defense minister engaged with Ethiopian officials to discuss fortifying military ties as part of a broader strategic alignment.
Furthermore, Field Marshal Berhanu’s recent visits, including discussions with South African defense forces and military agreements with South Sudan, reflect Ethiopia’s proactive approach in establishing comprehensive defense collaborations within the region and beyond, including partnerships with the United Arab Emirates. This series of defense agreements underscores the importance of military alliances in fostering security and collaborative defense efforts across East Africa.
In summary, Rwanda’s recent defense cooperation agreement with Ethiopia marks a significant advancement in their longstanding military relationship. The collaboration aims to enhance counterterrorism capabilities and military readiness. This agreement is part of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to strengthen defense ties with multiple nations, including recent agreements with Kenya, Qatar, South Sudan, and the UAE, illustrating a commitment to regional security and military collaboration.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
