Ethiopia’s Maritime Pursuit Driven by Development, Regional Connectivity, Says Gedion

ADDIS ABABA, June 21, 2026 (ENA) — Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos said that Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access is firmly rooted in development, connectivity, and economic efficiency, framing the issue as a structural necessity for the nation's long-term trade, logistics, and energy security.

Speaking at Chatham House in London, the Foreign Minister outlined Ethiopia’s overarching foreign policy priorities, emphasizing that dialogue, mutual benefit, and regional stability remain the core foundations for addressing access to the sea.

During his address, Gedion underscored that regional stability is a shared necessity, asserting that no country in the Horn of Africa can achieve lasting peace in isolation.

He highlighted Ethiopia’s active engagement in Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia, focusing on dialogue, peacebuilding, and security cooperation while reiterating that regional problems require regional solutions.

On the issue of Abay, the foreign minister reaffirmed that shared natural resources must be governed by equity, cooperation, and mutual benefit.

He rejected approaches that frame development as a threat, calling for an end to anachronistic and monopolistic claims, and presented the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as a vital expression of Ethiopia’s right to development and self-reliance.

Turning to domestic affairs, Gedion described the National Dialogue as a foundational effort to address historical grievances and build consensus on the future of the state through transitional justice and institutional reforms.

He noted that the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement remains critical for post-conflict recovery and reintegration, though he expressed concerns regarding hardliner elements within the TPLF that have not fully embraced disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration.

The foreign minister also highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative as a long-term investment in ecological restoration, food security, and climate resilience, driven by reforestation and renewable energy expansion.

He added that Ethiopia’s diplomatic engagement is increasingly focused on economic transformation, prioritizing World Trade Organization accession and participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area to foster global market integration.

Concluding his remarks on African agency, Gedion argued that growing geopolitical competition requires African states to define their own priorities and exercise greater strategic autonomy.

He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with all its neighbors, including Eritrea, maintaining that dialogue, economic integration, and respect for sovereignty offer a sustainable path over confrontation and fragmentation.