Cooperative, win-win approach imperative to ensuring Ethiopia’s quest for port access: Scholars

Addis Ababa, November 18, 2023 (FBC) – A cooperative and win-win approach with the neighboring east African nations would ensure Ethiopia’s ongoing demand for access to seaport, scholars noted.

A seminar on fair utilization of port for sustainable peace and development in the Horn of Africa was conducted today.

The seminar, according to ENA, brought together distinguished Ethiopian scholars from Addis Ababa University and other institutions.

Presenting his perspective on how Ethiopia gets direct access to sea through diplomacy and international law, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Advisor and GERD negotiating team member Ibrahim Idris said international experiences should be looked at on the many practices in this regard.

Ethiopia’s quest for access to port is long overdue since the country lost its right of ownership.

According to him, there are different practices that landlocked countries get access to sea through a win-win approach.

For instance, Saudi Arabia and Jordan reached land swapping agreement that enabled Jordan to own a port, Ibrahim said.

Similarly, Angola got a port from Congo following the agreement in 1988, he added.

There are also international conventions which Ethiopia has ratified that would help the country to access sea through diplomacy and international law.

Thus there have been a lot of practices that enable Ethiopia to follow a win-win and cooperative approach that could ensure its getting access to port.

“There is a conducive situation if our neighboring countries genuinely consider Ethiopia’s desire for mutual benefits. The question is how can we convince them? This has to be our assignment, especially for the scholars of our country,” Ibrahim underlined.

He also urged countries in the region and its leaders to look into the matter since it promotes mutual development and permanent stability in the region.

International policy and foreign relations expert, Belete Getachew said on his part that it is vital to seek port utilization cooperation with a view to accelerating regional integration.

Ethiopia’s effort to get access to sea needs to be augmented with initiatives that promote its interests and the neighboring countries in the region.

Addis Ababa University lecturer Matiwos Ensermu said Ethiopia should reinforce diplomatic endeavors with the view to getting access to sea.

A country with a population of 120 million, Ethiopia is seeking port to ensure its national interest based on the principle of give and take, mutual benefit, and accelerating regional integration.