The message, addressed to acting Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn, reads, in part:

"In our memories, he remains an extraordinary personality, an eminent public figure who did a great deal for his country, for the strengthening of its democratic foundations and its socioeconomic development. His work helped to raise Ethiopia's stature in the international community.

"We knew Meles Zenawi as a staunch supporter of developing cooperation between our countries, and we appreciate his considerable personal contribution to the strengthening of friendly Russian-Ethiopian relations."