Russia and Eritrea: 25 years of diplomatic ties

Russian Ambassador Azim Yarakhmedov with President Isaias Afwerki at a traditional New Year Party in Asmara - Dec. 28, 2017 (Photo Credit: Russian Embassy in Eritrea)


Excerpts from letter of Mr. Azim Yarakhmedov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation

By Eritrea Profile

May 24, 2018 marked 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the State of Eritrea. Eritrea and Russia, expressing mutual readiness to develop and strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries decided to establish diplomatic relations at the level of ambassadors in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention.

On the occasion of Independence Day of Eritrea H.E. President Vladimir Putin in his message to H.E. President IsaiasAfwerki expressed confidence that “friendly Russian-Eritrean relations will develop further for the benefit of our peoples in the interests of strengthening peace and stability on the African continent.” The positions of Moscow and Asmara on major international issues are very close. This has enabled the two countries to work together on the international arena.

Russia continues to call for the earliest possible lifting of sanctions imposed on Eritrea. This position is supported by the conclusions of the Monitoring group of the UN, which writes for several years in its reports that throughout the years of its mandate it has been unable to find any evidence or signs of cooperation of Eritrea with “AlShabab”.

Relations between Russia and Eritrea are developing especially actively after the visit to Moscow in January-February 2017 of the Eritrean delegation headed by H.E. Foreign Minister Osman Saleh.

In April,19, 2018 on the sidelines of the IV Yalta International Economic Forum, the Governor of Sevastopol D.V. Ovsyannikov and the Eritrean Ambassador to Russia P.Tsegai signed “Protocol of intentions between the Government of Sevastopol and the city Administration of Massawa”. The Protocol defines a wide range of areas of cooperation between the two cities in the areas of trade and economic cooperation, state administration, culture, education and sports. From April 27 to 28 Russia and Eritrea: 25 years of diplomatic ties 2018 State of Eritrea welcomed a visit by the delegation of Sverdlovsk region, headed by the Governor E.V. Kuyvashev.

One of the most dynamic areas of Russian-Eritrean relations is the cooperation in the field of education. Thus, as emphasized by H.E. President of Eritrea, IsaiasAfwerki ,during a meeting with Russian Ambassador “preparation of highly qualified specialists for various sectors of the economy of Eritrea is very important for further development of the country and the growth of welfare of its population”. In 2015,Russia resumed the provision of government scholarships for the Eritrean youth for study in Russian universities. Over the last three years, about 50 people were sent to Russia and they are currently successfully studying in various universities of the country, and this year alone the Embassy selected 27 candidates. We look forward to more cooperation in the future.

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