Ethiopia participates in 3rd Maritime Safety & Security Conference

Addis Ababa, November 18, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopian delegation has participated in the 3rd International Conference on Maritime Security and Safety which was held from November 14 to 17, 2023 in Mauritius.

The conference, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, is dedicated to ensuring that all nations have a fair share of the benefits stemming from a safer and more secure ocean, one that is free from piracy and terrorism, illicit arms and drug trafficking, blue economy and maritime pollution, and wildlife trafficking.

Ethiopia, participating for the first time at the conference, stressed that the country – being landlocked – attaches greater interest and concerns for maritime safety and security. With a staggering 95 percent of its goods and commodities being transported via the sea, the importance of maritime safety and security cannot be overstated, particularly when it comes to ensuring the safety and security of the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bab El Mandab.

In light of the growing geopolitical and geoeconomic interest in the maritime domain, and as a consistent actor in the fight against terrorism, Ethiopia has recently developed a comprehensive and innovative national Blue Economy and Development Strategy crafted in line with IGAD’s Blue Economy Strategy. Ethiopia also proudly upholds its status as a signatory to the African Charter on Marine Transport. ]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled that the development of the Blue Economy remains an integral part of the Agenda 2063 of the African Union (AU) and was unanimously declared ‘Africa’s future’.

The conference acknowledged the growing interest displayed by land linked African countries such as Ethiopia in actively participating on Maritime Safety and Security, unlocking new opportunities to bridge existing knowledge gaps, strengthen their policy, legal, and institutional frameworks, as well as foster greater cooperation with countries in the maritime domain.

During the meeting, Ethiopia extends its gratitude to the Government of Mauritius and the Indian Ocean Commission for their gracious and generous invitation to the important gathering, which provides an unprecedented opportunity for Ethiopia to address the concerns of land linked countries in the pursuit of the African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIM) 2050.