Addis Ababa, June 20, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has reiterated that Ethiopia’s pursuit of direct seaport access is a matter of national survival rather than political maneuvering, stressing its urgency in the country’s economic and strategic priorities.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with representatives of competing political parties, the Prime Minister said the absence of sea access continues to impose unsustainable pressure on Ethiopia’s economy. He emphasized that the issue must be addressed swiftly and peacefully through legal frameworks and regional dialogue.
Abiy underlined Ethiopia’s consistent policy of promoting shared development and prosperity with its neighbors. He pointed out that Ethiopia’s stability and economic growth are not only essential to its own progress but also play a constructive role in the broader development of the Horn of Africa.
As a large and populous country, Ethiopia’s need for reliable maritime access is growing more urgent, the Prime Minister noted. He called on neighboring countries to recognize this necessity in good faith and to understand that Ethiopia’s request stems from genuine aspirations for development, integration, and regional cooperation.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the quest for sea access is not a point of confrontation, but a logical step toward long-term resilience, framed within peaceful and lawful engagement. He also expressed confidence that a mutually beneficial solution could be achieved through trade and international legal mechanisms.
Concluding his remarks, Abiy reaffirmed Ethiopia’s sovereignty and unity, stating that the country’s determination to pursue its economic future through cooperation and regional understanding remains unwavering.