Field Marshal Birhanu Jula's visit, which began on April 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 16, involved several high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the long-standing military cooperation between Rwanda and Ethiopia and exploring new areas of collaboration.
The visit follows a March 13 visit by Rwanda's Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, to Ethiopia, during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation was signed.
Upon his arrival in Rwanda, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula met with Rwanda's Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, and held discussions with Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda.
As part of his itinerary, the Ethiopian military leader visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and receive a detailed briefing on the history of the genocide.
He also visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum at the Parliament, where he learned more about the efforts of the former RPA forces in stopping the genocide.
Rwanda and Ethiopia have maintained military cooperation for over 20 years, initially focusing on joint military training. This partnership has since expanded to include collaboration between the police forces of both countries.
Beyond defense and police cooperation, Rwanda and Ethiopia have established strong bilateral ties in various sectors, including agriculture, trade, and education.
In the past seven years, agreements have also been signed in air travel services to facilitate cooperation between RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines.
Notably, this visit occurred shortly after President Kagame received a special message from Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, delivered by Yassine Fall, Senegal's Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs.
IGIHE
