Ethiopia's Pursuit for Sea Access Must be Settled in Spirit of Neighborliness: Russian Amb.

Addis Ababa November 13/2024 (ENA)-Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin stated that Ethiopia’s aspirations of securing access to seaport must be settled in a spirit of good neighborliness and dialogue.

Approached by ENA, Ambassador Terekhin emphasized Russia's awareness of the challenges faced by countries like Ethiopia without access to direct maritime seaport.

“We understand that the absence of sea access is a very big problem for a country,” the ambassador stated. 

Given its geographical, historical, economic backgrounds, Ethiopia has initiated discussions to secure sea outlet based on the principle of mutual benefits and partnership that provide amicable opportunities to strengthen shared development.

In his recent parliamentary address, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the nation’s “unwavering interest” in accessing the Red Sea and pledged peaceful pursuit.

Consistently stressing Ethiopia’s peaceful intentions in its pursuit of access to the Red Sea, PM Abiy underlined that “We seek access to the Red Sea in a peaceful manner, as is fitting for a nation of our size and growing economy.” 

When asked about Russia's view as long as Ethiopia pursues sea access peacefully, Ambassador Terekhin said: “This issue must be settled between the neighboring countries in a spirit of good neighborliness and dialogue, without external interference.”

Furthermore, with the Horn of Africa offering more than 5,000 kilometers of coastline from Massawa to Mogadishu, Premier Abiy remarked on the vast opportunities for regional cooperation. 

He affirmed that Ethiopia seeks to negotiate agreements that advance shared prosperity and regional development, pointing to the potential for a stronger, interconnected economic base in the region.

More importantly, PM Abiy highlighted that in seeking access to seaport, Ethiopia's agenda centers on economic growth and mutual benefit rather than confrontation with neighboring countries. 

Highlighting Ethiopia's prominent role in Africa, the ambassador described the country as “a leader in Eastern Africa, especially within the IGAD region and the Horn of Africa.” 

He further commended the significant contributions of the East African nation to regional stability. He added that: “We see Ethiopia as a nucleus of regional security, playing a decisive role in maintaining peace and security in this area.”

Ambassador Terekhin also praised the longstanding ties between Russia and Ethiopia, pointing to recent meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during the Kazan 16th BRICS Summit. 

He further highlighted the need to strengthen trade and economic ties to match the high level of political cooperation, noting, “Our trade relationship has yet to reach the level of our political relationship.”

Russia recognizes Ethiopia’s vast potential, both in human resources and natural wealth, and the mutual respect shared between Ethiopian and Russian people. 

“Ethiopia has a longstanding tradition of friendship with Russia, built on mutual understanding and respect,” Terekhin underscored. 

“Addis Ababa, as the diplomatic capital of Africa, reflects Ethiopia's influential role not only within the African Union but also on the broader continent. For Russia, this makes Ethiopia a priority partner in economic and trade relations.”