“We seek to promote the development of supply chains between Russia and Ethiopia and the expansion of trade between the two countries,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a joint press conference with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Demke Mokkinen after her African tour ended with her visit. “Partners in Africa understand the reasons for what is happening and know what the West is doing to build a unipolar world.”

He noted: “We told our colleagues the latest details of the military operation in Ukraine, and Ethiopia’s position is balanced,” explaining that “Washington is trying to impose its point of view on countries and pursue its own policies around the world.”

Lavrov said: “Our positions with Ethiopia are identical on global issues based on respect for international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” adding that “the West is trying to interfere with the process of forming a new democratic world order.”

Lavrov arrived in Ethiopia as part of his 5-day African tour. Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova released footage from the plane meeting Lavrov in Ethiopia.