Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Nagy has praised the Ethiopian National Defense Force as one of Africa’s premier security forces, citing its exceptional professionalism and deep military discipline as pivotal to expanding U.S.-Ethiopia strategic ties.

Speaking to Pulse of Africa, Nagy pointed to the strategic weight of renewed bilateral collaboration, noting that working with Ethiopia’s military yields benefits that reach far beyond both nations to strengthen long-term peace across the Horn of Africa. He tied this institutional strength to timeless military tradition, characterizing today's soldiers as heirs to the patriots who fought at the Battle of Adwa and remarking that the warrior spirit to defend the homeland runs deep in the blood of Ethiopians.

His comments coincide with a recent visit by an Ethiopian military delegation to the United States, led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation. The delegation held bilateral talks at the Pentagon with senior U.S. Department of Defense leadership.

Co-chaired alongside Bryan J. Ellis, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, the discussions concluded with a shared commitment to elevate military and diplomatic cooperation between both countries into a new chapter.

Nagy underscored that Ethiopia's strong institutional capability is vital to Washington's goal of building a sustained partnership with Addis Ababa. Collaborating with Ethiopia’s defense forces remains essential for protecting U.S. interests, Nagy added, emphasizing that a stable and prosperous Horn of Africa directly advances American strategic priorities to create a win-win outcome for everyone involved.