Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, has articulated an ambitious goal for the nation, stating that it must transform into a country with a modern railway network. This declaration was made during an event celebrating the first anniversary of the new management of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway.

The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged Ethiopia's historic role in establishing early railway infrastructure in Africa. However, he pointed out that a lack of project completion and continuity has prevented the country from developing a comprehensive, interconnected rail system. He specifically cited past operational and financial challenges with the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, which had become a source of government debt.

Temesgen highlighted a significant turnaround over the past year, noting that the joint Ethiopian and Djiboutian management has modernized and streamlined the railway's operations. He emphasized its crucial role in facilitating trade by efficiently transporting large volumes of both cargo and passengers.

Looking ahead, the Deputy Prime Minister outlined a clear vision: to resolve issues with current rail construction projects and to develop a sustainable, modern rail network. He stressed the importance of building a system that not only connects major hubs within the country but also links Ethiopia with its neighbors, thereby supporting national development.

"We must work diligently to ensure the continuity of our railway sector," he said, "until our lines connect Ethiopia both internally and externally in a manner that aligns with our country's growth."