The Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, has publicly stated his belief that Ethiopia would contribute more significantly to regional peace if it secured an outlet on the Red Sea. The general made the comments during a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa with Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF).

General Anderson expressed his support for Ethiopia's efforts to gain peaceful access to the sea and indicated that he would discuss Ethiopia's national interests and plans for ensuring regional peace with officials in Washington, D.C.

During the discussion, focused on peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula affirmed that Ethiopia's sea access interest is strictly for peaceful purposes and economic development. He further highlighted Ethiopia's continuous, significant role in the fight against counter-terrorism, confirming that the nation will strengthen its forceful measures to weaken Al-Shabaab and foil its terrorist plots.

Both military leaders agreed on the necessity for regional countries to collaborate for stability, and Field Marshal Birhanu reassured the delegation that the long-standing military relationship between Ethiopia and the United States would continue to be strengthened. General Anderson praised Ethiopia's role in maintaining regional security and committed to strengthening the joint efforts to combat terrorism.

The day’s events also included a presentation and discussion of a research paper titled "The State of Peace in the Horn of Africa" by Colonel Mesfin Awlachew, with the two leaders concluding their meeting with an exchange of gifts.