Ethiopia, US Agree to Establish Strategic Defence and Security Cooperation

August 22, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Ethiopia and the United States have agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic framework for cooperation in defence and security, signalling an effort to move bilateral military ties into a new phase.

A senior Ethiopian military delegation led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, director-general of foreign relations and military cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, held talks with senior US defence officials during a working visit to the United States, according to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The delegation met Brian J. Ellis, US deputy assistant secretary of defence for African affairs, and other senior officials at the Pentagon to discuss bilateral issues.

The two sides agreed to expand cooperation between their defence institutions and strengthen strategic coordination, with the aim of moving military and diplomatic relations to what Ethiopian officials described as a new and more advanced stage.

The proposed strategic cooperation is intended to serve the national interests of both countries and strengthen mutual trust, while contributing to peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the wider region, according to the Ethiopian side.

Ethiopia and the US also agreed to move the cooperation frameworks reached during the talks into implementation and work towards a stronger strategic partnership.

The Ethiopian delegation held additional discussions with officials from other US defence institutions and conducted visits during its stay, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The announcement comes as Ethiopia and the US seek to deepen bilateral engagement across security and other areas, with the Horn of Africa remaining a key strategic region for both countries.

Source: FSX Business News