ADDIS ABABA– Ethiopia’s longstanding pursuit of access to the sea is increasingly garnering international recognition and support, according to Ambassador Dina Mufti.
The House of People’s Representatives Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee member Ambassador Dina Mufti told The Ethiopian Herald that Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the sea is gaining significant international support.
He emphasized that securing sea access is a non-negotiable right under international law crucial for facilitating the nation’s import-export trade.
The MP highlighted that landlocked countries possess fundamental rights to port access under international conventions. Consequently, Ethiopia is committed to realizing this ambition through peaceful, cooperative, and mutually beneficial arrangements with its neighbors.
Ethiopia is prioritizing enhanced diplomatic engagement and intensifying efforts to establish sustainable sea access solutions. This is a critical need for the nation’s growing economy and its regional integration goals, Dina said.
Access to a sea outlet is vital for attracting investment, as businesses are more inclined to invest in countries with robust trade capabilities and connections to global markets. Beyond its push for sea access, Ethiopia is also actively liberalizing its investment landscape, strengthening partnerships, and adopting best investment practices from other nations, Ambassador Dina noted.
He added that recent macroeconomic reforms are crucial for attracting more investment and facilitating national trade.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) recently affirmed before members of parliament that Ethiopia’s desire is to engage in dialogue and discussion regarding sea port access. He underscored that this quest is justified by the international community, particularly given that no other landlocked nation surpasses Ethiopia in size.
The Prime Minister reiterated that access to the sea is an existential matter for Ethiopia, emphasizing that the country aims to achieve this ambition solely through peaceful and diplomatic means.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2025
