Ethiopia, US Agree to Establish Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation in Defense, Security

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United States have agreed to establish comprehensive strategic cooperation in defense and security.

A high-level delegation led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation at the FDRE Ministry of Defense, visited the United States of America from August 19-20, 2026, and held bilateral consultations at the Pentagon with their counterparts and other senior leaders of the US Department of War.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,  the consultation was co-led with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for African Affairs at the Pentagon, Brian J. Ellis, and an agreement was reached to elevate the military and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries to a new and advanced chapter.

The leadership of the defense institutions of both countries have agreed to expand institutional cooperation and further strengthen strategic coordination. 

The two sides agreed that the comprehensive and strategic partnership shall be guided by main pillars aiming to ensure protection of national interests and mutual benefits, establish lasting cooperation by strengthening mutual trust, and enhance joint efforts to ensure lasting peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

Major General Teshome Gemechu and Deputy Assistant Secretary Brian J. Ellis have affirmed their joint commitment to quickly implement the agreed frameworks and elevate the bilateral defense relationship to a better and future-oriented strategic partnership.

In addition, during their stay, the delegation held extensive discussions with other leaders of US defense institutions and conducted visits.