Ethiopia's defence chief in Rwanda to deepen military cooperation #rwanda #RwOT

Field Marshal Jula was received by General MK Mubarakh, Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura during a series of engagements on Monday. He also paid a courtesy call on Rwanda's Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence described the visit as a key opportunity to deepen the longstanding bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Ethiopia.

Discussions between the military leaders are focused on expanding collaboration in defence and related sectors, reaffirming both nations' commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing regional peace and security.

Field Marshal Jula's visit follows a recent trip by General Mubarakh to Ethiopia on March 13 2025, during which the two defence chiefs signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation.

As part of his itinerary, the Ethiopian military chief is also scheduled to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as Rwanda marks the 31st commemoration of the tragedy.

Rwanda and Ethiopia ties

Rwanda and Ethiopia have enjoyed over 20 years of military cooperation, initially focused on joint military training. The partnership has since expanded to include collaboration between the police forces of both countries.

Beyond defense and police cooperation, Rwanda and Ethiopia share strong bilateral ties in sectors such as agriculture, trade, education, and more.

Over the past seven years, the two nations have also signed agreements in air travel services, allowing for seamless cooperation between their airlines, RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines.

Ethiopia's Chief of the General Staff of the National Defence Force, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, when he arrived in Rwanda for a four-day working visit aimed at strengthening military ties and advancing regional security cooperation.

Field Marshal Jula was received by General MK Mubarakh, Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura. He also paid a courtesy call on Rwanda's Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.