ADDIS ABABA – It has been emphasized that Ethiopia must continue its legitimate pursuit of access to the Red Sea, as this is a strategic option to protect its interests and enhance its regional role.
It was confirmed that there is strong regional and international support for Ethiopia’s successful attainment of sea access.
The security responsibilities of Ethiopia, as the largest country in East Africa and the Horn of Africa, were recalled, especially given its growing economic and trade relations and partnerships with the Arab world and the international community.
It was added that in order to preserve its existence and economic interests, Ethiopia could play a role in securing the Red Sea, particularly in light of the repeated threats to international trade and navigation security faced by this vital passage.
In a special interview, Egyptian moves aimed at preventing Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea were condemned, with the goal being to stop Ethiopia from transforming into an effective regional power at the African and Horn of Africa level.
It was clarified that Egypt’s preoccupation is no longer limited to the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam or its internationalization, as the dam currently does not pose a threat to Egypt.
However, Egypt is wary of Ethiopia reaching the Red Sea, obtaining a seaport, and the potential subsequent establishment of bases for military or commercial purposes.
According to the statements, Ethiopia’s access to the sea is a source of concern for Egypt because it gives Ethiopia an opportunity to play an influential regional role and positions it as a regional competitor.
The political justifications put forward by Egypt to prevent Ethiopia from reaching the Red Sea were downplayed, as were the weak arguments about affecting navigation through the Suez Canal.
Reference was made to the military deals and agreements Egypt is concluding with neighboring countries in an attempt to encircle Ethiopia and prevent it from achieving sea access.
It was strongly predicted that these moves would fail, just as previous efforts to internationalize the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam had failed.
This is especially true given the increasing regional and international support for Ethiopia’s right to obtain sea access.
The Prime Minister stated in a parliamentary session on Tuesday that Ethiopia and the Red Sea are a natural extension, urging for shared regional growth in accordance with market agreements and laws in a peaceful manner.
