ADDIS ABABA – Putting various port diversification efforts, Ethiopia would gain uninterrupted, secured and direct access to the Red Sea, a veteran diplomat said.
Approached by The Ethiopian Herald, the seasoned diplomat Ambassador Girum Abay stated that the uninterrupted access to the Red Sea is the matter of existence to Ethiopia and it is a lifeline for Africa’s second populous nation. Ethiopia’s import-export almost totally goes in the Red Sea and the country stands only 48.8 kilometers away from the nearest shores.
“The question today is how Ethiopia would ensure a guaranteed and uninterrupted access to the Red Sea. The mechanisms for landlocked nations to access the sea are more or less those which Ethiopia has been using for centuries.”
According to Ambassador Girum, the best alternative for Ethiopia is using neighboring ports in an uninterrupted and secured manner for import-export activities while port diversification should remain its priority. Currently, Ethiopia is now in a good position to utilize different ports on the Red Sea.”
The United Nations convention stipulates that landlocked countries have the right to access to the sea through neighboring countries. This right should be discussed, negotiated and accepted. All neighboring countries are expected to understand Ethiopia’s successive economic growth and settle problems if the latter’s hindrance to access to sea impacts the wellbeing of its people and affects business.
“The big powers believe Ethiopia has the right to secure an uninterrupted and secured access to the sea. The question is how we will convince our neighbors using the understanding of big powers. Holding a cordial negotiation with our neighbors is the tool that Ethiopia ensures reliable access to the Red Sea,” the veteran diplomat emphasized.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
The Ethiopian Herald September 28/2023
