ADDIS ABABA – France has acknowledged Ethiopia’s aspiration to gain access to the sea as a legitimate pursuit, emphasizing the importance of international law and regional cooperation in addressing such matters.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, French Ambassador to Ethiopia Alexis Lamek affirmed that Ethiopia being the most populous landlocked country in the world needs to pursue sea access and rebuild its naval capabilities.
“It is perfectly legitimate for any country, especially one as large and landlocked as Ethiopia, to diversify its access to the sea,” the ambassador stated. “As long as it is pursued in accordance with international law and through consultation with neighbors, it is absolutely justified.”
Ambassador Alexis pointed out that several European landlocked countries face no such difficulty thanks to robust regional cooperation and mutual agreements.
“In Europe, many landlocked countries enjoy seamless access to the sea through neighboring ports. This is made possible by a culture of dialogue, consultation, and regional trust,” he noted.
He emphasized that Ethiopia’s desire to secure access should be handled with diplomacy and peaceful engagement.
“ We hope this ambition can be pursued in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect among neighboring countries,” he added.
Regarding Franco–Ethiopian cooperation on naval development, the ambassador confirmed that France is providing training support to help Ethiopia rebuild its navy an institution the country lost after Eritrea’s independence in 1993.
“The navy is a key part of France’s national identity. While our current cooperation with Ethiopia is modest, mainly focused on training, we are proud of it,” he said. “This partnership can contribute to broader maritime security efforts in the region.”
Ambassador Alexis concluded that such collaboration represents not only bilateral goodwill but also a step toward regional stability and responsible maritime engagement.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 12 JULY 2025
