ENDF chief of staff welcomes South African counterpart ahead of 116th ENDF Day

Addis Ababa, October 24, 2023 (FBC) – The Chief of the General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, Field Marshal General Berhanu Jula welcomed this morning Lieutenant-General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of South African National Defence Force.

The South African National Defence Force chief arrived in Addis Ababa to attend the 116th Ethiopian National Defense Forces Day.

After welcoming his South African counterpart, Field Marshal General Berhanu Jula held a discussion with Lieutenant-General Rudzani Maphwanya at his office, FDRE Defense Forces post on social media indicates.

Their discussion aims to strengthen the existing military ties and cooperation between Ethiopia and South Africa, it is learned.

It is to be recalled that the ENDF Chief of General Staff Field Marshal General Berhanu Jula had paid a working visit to South Africa early last month at the invitation of Lieutenant-General Rudzani Maphwanya.

On the occasion, Field Marshal General Berhanu noted that the long-standing historical relation between Ethiopia and South Africa and their peoples has laid a strong foundation for the military cooperation that has been developing from time to time. He recalled that Ethiopia had provided training and technical support to South African freedom fighters during their struggle against the apartheid system.

Field Marshal General Berhanu reiterated that they will work with determination to expand the scope of the cooperation and move it to a higher level in the future.

South African National Defense Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, for his part, said Ethiopia is the founder of Pan-Africanism which set an example for other African countries in fighting colonialism, pledging continued military cooperation between the two countries.

During his stay in South Africa, Field Marshal General Birhanu also had meetings with the South African Defense Minister, Thandi Modise.