Ethiopia and Cuba have pledged to deepen their longstanding friendship and cooperation. After nearly 50 years of diplomatic ties, both countries are recommitting to working together for mutual growth. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla recently visited Addis Ababa and confirmed that Havana will continue to support Ethiopia across health, education, and agriculture.
Honoring a Strong Bond Forged in History
The close relationship between Ethiopia and Cuba dates back to the late 1970s. Cuba sent more than 15,000 soldiers to defend Ethiopia during the Ogaden War, and 163 Cuban troops lost their lives in the fight. That sacrifice is still remembered today.
Every March 5, Ethiopians gather at the Tiglachin Monument to honor those who fell alongside their heroes. This historic connection remains a powerful symbol of solidarity, deeply engrained in both nations’ hearts.
During the visit, Cuban officials praised Ethiopia as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and offered broad collaboration in key areas. Cuba pledged to support healthcare by training doctors and helping improve primary care.
In agriculture, the island’s sugar industry expertise is set to help Ethiopia develop better sugar production. Cuba also sees opportunities to help Ethiopia improve its water management systems. Both countries signed a new memorandum of understanding on political consultation, setting a foundation for closer government communication.
Education, Scholarships, and People-to-People Ties
For decades, Ethiopian students have benefited from scholarships and training in Cuba. Thousands of professionals in Ethiopia doctors, teachers, engineers graduated from Cuban universities. Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister reaffirmed commitment to facilitating visa-exemption agreements for diplomatic and official passports, making exchanges smoother. These people-to-people ties remain at the core of both countries’ friendship.
As Ethiopia joined the BRICS group in 2024, Cuba expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s future leadership role among developing nations. Cuban diplomats highlighted Ethiopia’s potential to strengthen the BRICS platform and broader South-South cooperation. .
Stronger Partnership for Development
Looking forward, Ethiopia and Cuba aim to turn their historic bond into real development action. Joint work is planned in areas like coffee trade, bio‑pharmaceutical research, and water resource projects.
Cuba’s sugar technologies may improve Ethiopia’s local sugar industry, while Ethiopia’s coffee export could benefit Cuba’s market diversification. Both countries also plan to strengthen diplomatic ties through high-level ministerial meetings and trade missions.
Rewriting a Historic Bond for the 21st Century
Ethiopia and Cuba are renewing a partnership born from shared struggle and respect. From honoring Cuban soldiers fallen in war to planning new cooperation in health, education, agriculture, and diplomacy, the countries are charting a path for the future. As Africa’s rising power and Latin America’s enduring revolutionary voice, Ethiopia and Cuba are showing how friendship grounded in history can become a force for shared prosperity and global solidarity.
