Russia has stressed that Ethiopia's ambition for sea access must be resolved through mutual agreements, adherence to international law, and constructive dialogue among the directly involved parties.
Ambassador Evgeny Terekhin, Russia's Ambassador to Ethiopia, affirmed Russia's recognition of the critical importance of maritime access for national development, noting that nearly one-third of UN member states are landlocked due to historical and geopolitical reasons.
“We understand the need for sea access for any country, and solutions are emerging for addressing the challenges,” Ambassador Terekhin stated. He underscored that although landlocked nations face significant challenges, many are finding cooperative ways to secure maritime access.
The Ambassador stressed that the resolution to Ethiopia’s sea access should be determined "first of all between the parties involved... on the basis of international law, agreements and conversations." He emphasized that continued dialogue and regional cooperation are essential for finding a peaceful and sustainable solution.
This Russian statement follows recent remarks by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who reiterated to members of the Ethiopian Parliament that the country’s demand for Red Sea access is inevitable. The Prime Minister confirmed the government's commitment to seeking this goal through peaceful and lawful dialogue.
Prime Minister Abiy also revealed that Ethiopia has communicated its plea for mediation to global powers, stating, “We have spoken to the US, China, Russia, Europe, and Africa. Ethiopia’s quest for Red Sea access is inevitable; we give priority for peace and dialogue and plead with them to mediate us and offer us a solution.”
Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the historical context, asserting that Ethiopia's loss of Red Sea access occurred without proper legal procedures, including cabinet involvement, parliamentary approval, or a public referendum. He underscored the urgency of restoring lawful access, reaffirming that Ethiopia will continue to pursue the matter through legal, peaceful, and diplomatic pathways.
