Addis Ababa: Russia has expressed interest in helping restore relations between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announcing Moscow’s willingness to support efforts to ease tensions between the two countries.
The Russian government has previously called on the two countries to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and restore relations. On Oct. 27, during the third Russia-Africa Summit, Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s interest in promoting peace between the two countries.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov said Moscow was interested in facilitating dialogue between the two nations by hosting talks in the Russian capital.
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have deteriorated, with tensions reportedly approaching a military standoff. Some reports indicate sporadic clashes in border areas.
Tensions have worsened amid renewed fighting between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and federal government forces, as well as the closure of the two countries’ respective embassies.
Several countries, including Russia, have expressed concern over the deteriorating relations and called for de-escalation and dialogue.
