ADDIS ABABA (February 28, 2026) – Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed returned home this afternoon after concluding a two-day official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan. According to news sources, the visit aimed to elevate bilateral relations between the two countries to a higher level.

​Following an official reception ceremony in the capital, Baku, Abiy Ahmed held discussions with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, covering bilateral relations and regional issues.

​Main Focus of Agreements: Military Technology

​The agreements signed during the visit focused on various strategic fields, particularly in the military sector:

  • ​Military and Defense Cooperation: Analysts suggest that Azerbaijan achieved technological superiority in its conflict with Armenia. It is believed that Abiy Ahmed aimed to acquire this technology. Agreements were signed for both countries to build defense capabilities, exchange technology, and engage in joint military training.
  • ​Economic and Trade Relations: Leveraging Azerbaijan's high capacity in oil and gas, discussions were held on linking Ethiopia with available investment opportunities.

​Eritrea, Security Tensions, and the Ship Seizure Incident

​Abiy Ahmed's relationship with Azerbaijan is directly linked to his situation with Eritrea. Analysts state that the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has severely deteriorated due to Abiy Ahmed’s aggressive rhetoric and irresponsible stance regarding the Red Sea.

​Specifically, the incident where ships carrying weapons from Azerbaijan to Ethiopia were seized by Eritrea indicates that tensions have reached a high level. This incident reflects the Eritrean government's stance on defending its sovereignty.

​While official statements did not disclose the specifics, information emerging from Azerbaijan indicates that the ships were indeed held by Eritrea.

​Abiy Ahmed’s stance on national sovereignty and borders is criticized by many parties. Critics, noting that he is purchasing weapons while his own people are suffering from hunger, argue that instead of respecting the sovereignty of neighbors, Abiy Ahmed intends to lead towards war and destruction under the pretext of seeking "sea access."

​Countries Allied with Abiy Ahmed

​Abiy Ahmed is striving to establish strategic relations with various countries. The main countries include:

  • ​Azerbaijan: Regarding military and economic relations.
  • ​United Arab Emirates: Regarding economic, security, and military relations.
  • ​China: Regarding economic and trade relations.

​Source: Based on information obtained from the Prime Minister’s Office of News and Information.