President Taye Atske-Selassie has called for all nations to have equal access to and benefit from the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the President underscored that this issue must be a focus, referencing the sentiments expressed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the August meeting of landlocked countries.

President Taye recalled the secretary-general’s emphasis during that conference: no country should be separated from development and technology due to its geographical location.

He stated that Ethiopia, as Africa’s second-most populous nation with significant maritime trade, considers the Red Sea and Indian Ocean coasts vital for its security and economic development.

Noting that the primary purpose of international law is to ensure common growth and equal benefit for humanity, the president urged for the law’s implementation to allow Ethiopia to utilize its resources through cooperation with other nations.

He affirmed, "Ethiopia desires and will work for a comprehensive approach to ensure equal development and security for all countries around the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean."

The president concluded that Ethiopia will continue to pursue this legitimate policy objective through diplomacy and peaceful engagement.