Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a telephone conversation on Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the COVID-19 crisis.

Abiy said the talks focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in addressing the pandemic.

The Ethiopian prime minister said he was impressed by Putin’s mobilization of resources to support Africa's fight against COVID-19.

Kremlin said the two leaders also used the telephone conversation to talk about boosting relations between their sides.

"While discussing the situation caused by the spread of the coronavirus, both parties stressed the importance of invigorating efforts of the entire international community, including the IMF and the World Bank, to combat the infection," Kremlin said.

"They have also considered some topical aspects of developing bilateral relations."

Ethiopia is one of 52 African countries that have recorded COVID-19 cases. Africa's confirmed COVID-19 cases have surpassed 9,000, with over 400 deaths. Over 800 patients have recovered.

Prime Minister Abiy's government has been at the forefront in boosting Africa's COVID-19 fight.

The Ethiopian government has partnered with the Jack Ma Foundation to distribute medical equipment and COVID-19 testing kits aimed at better preparing the continent to tackle the pandemic.

Source(s): Ethiopia Prime Minister's Office, Kremlin