Addis Ababa, October 31, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Navy has underscored the strategic importance of regional cooperation in facilitating maritime activities, addressing shared security challenges and safeguarding the smooth movement of maritime traffic across vital sea routes.
Ethiopian Navy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Kindu Gezu said no country, regardless of its capabilities, could independently address the growing complexities of maritime security and ensure the smooth movement of maritime activities without cooperation with neighboring countries.
His remarks followed a regional maritime forum organized by the Ethiopian Navy General Directorate, bringing together naval commanders from Yemen, Oman, Djibouti, Somaliland and Puntland.
The forum provided a platform for exchanging experiences and exploring ways to strengthen joint efforts in maritime search and rescue operations, security and responses to common maritime challenges.
Vice Admiral Kindu said the gathering also created an opportunity for Ethiopia to deepen engagement with countries in the region through dialogue and closer cooperation, including on Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the sea.
He noted that the Ethiopian Navy, whose capabilities have been steadily expanding, was increasingly positioning itself as a capable partner for consultations on regional and continental maritime affairs. The inaugural forum, he said, demonstrated the Navy’s growing role in facilitating regional dialogue and cooperation.
Referring to the security challenges facing the Strait of Hormuz and their wider implications for countries, the Navy chief underscored the need for regional countries to coordinate their capabilities and work together to prevent and address maritime threats.
He stressed that even countries with substantial maritime capabilities could not independently guarantee the smooth operation of maritime routes or resolve emerging challenges without collective action.
Vice Admiral Kindu said the forum was specifically designed to address this reality, providing participants with an opportunity to examine prevailing maritime security conditions, discuss possible future scenarios and explore coordinated responses.
The discussions are expected to contribute to stronger regional understanding and cooperation in maritime security, an area of growing importance to trade, economic connectivity and stability across the wider region.