In a 45 minute long speech the PM reasoned out why access to the sea, the Red Sea in particular is a matter of existential concern for Ethiopia. “If we don’t talk about the Red Sea issues, we will as much not talk about wheat export, green legacy, tax collection. If we have accomplished all these and lose it due to [not discussing] the Red Sea, it’s meaningless,” he emphasized. He said “had Ethiopia’s neighboring countries been stable democracies, with accountable and transparent political procedures guaranteeing long-term fulfillment agreements, port access could have been easily negotiated and agreed upon giving Ethiopia long-term policy predictability. The diplomat believes similar arguments can be made, and a different outcome compelling neighboring states to negotiate over sovereign access to port can be achieved.

Source: Ethiopian News November 20, 2023 12:34 UTC