Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that securing access to the sea is a matter of national survival for Ethiopia, not a political debate. As part of a series of discussions held with representatives of various sections of the society, Prime Minister Abiy also convened meetings with political parties on major issues relevant to the country.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, during the discussions, Prime Minister Abiy underscored Ethiopia’s unwavering aspirations for shared development and prosperity with its neighbors. The prime minister added that Ethiopia’s peace and development will play a positive role in the development of the region.
Ethiopia is a big nation with a large population, the premier stated, stressing that “Our neighbors need to understand that peace and development are key to our nation.” Ethiopia is working legally and peacefully to secure access to the seas, the prime minister pointed out.
The absence of access to sea outlets for Ethiopia has been causing immense burdens on the country’s economy, PM Abiy reiterated, stressing that the issue requires an urgent solution. The premier also expressed confidence that Ethiopia’s quest for access to sea would be acceptable and concluded through commercial laws.
Neighboring countries need to recognize Ethiopia’s quest for access to the sea in good faith, for the country’s demand for access to the sea is made out of genuine aspiration for development, Prime Minister Abiy stressed.