Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Sime (PhD), delivered a powerful call to action at the United Nations conference for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) held in Awaza, Turkmenistan, demanding equal maritime rights and renewed global commitment to overcome the unique challenges faced by landlocked nations.
In a passionate address, Minister Alemu asserted that access to the sea should not be a privilege of coastal states, but a fundamental right for all, irrespective of their geographical position.
Speaking before an assembly of world leaders, delegates, and dignitaries, Minister Alemu emphasised the persistent and escalating difficulties faced by LLDCs, including high transportation costs, inadequate infrastructure, geopolitical tensions, and the compounding effects of climate change.
He argued that the high seas, representing a substantial portion of the planet's surface, hold immense potential for driving prosperity for all nations, underscoring the urgency of guaranteeing secure access for landlocked countries.
"We must uphold the right of all states to guaranteed and secure access to the sea," Minister Alemu declared, emphasising that this right goes beyond mere transit. It encompasses participation in maritime economic opportunities, environmental protection, and maritime security.
He stressed that the full implementation of this principle is essential for ensuring sustainable and shared development and lasting peace.
Ethiopia's expectations for the conference are high, envisioning a transformative shift in focus and a reinvigorated global commitment to fostering effective partnerships that mobilise resources and deliver innovative solutions.
In this spirit, Minister Alemu commended the Awaza Program of Action for proposing the establishment of a high-level panel of experts to explore ways to implement equal rights to access the sea.
He advocated for a paradigm shift, ensuring equal maritime rights for all states, regardless of their littoral status. To achieve this, Minister Alemu urged strengthened regional integration, investment in infrastructure to create connectivity between states in the same region, and urged partners to finance projects and initiatives, particularly in Africa, that aim to streamline customs procedures, liberalise access to transport and logistics markets, and ease trade barriers.
Furthermore, he promoted technology and innovation, emphasising that partnerships should focus on capacity building and technology transfer, especially digital connectivity.
He called for a significant increase in international financing for infrastructure development, urging a renewed commitment to an inclusive, transparent, and effective global partnership.
Minister Alemu stressed that the commitments in the Awaza Program of Action should be applied in line with the rights of all states, including equal participation in maritime economic opportunities, protection of environmental rights in shared marine spaces, and contribution to regional peace and security through collaborative maritime governance.
He insisted that all organisations established to deal with maritime access should involve all interested and concerned states without distinction.
Concluding his address, Minister Alemu reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Awaza Program of Action, urging partners to redouble their efforts in implementing the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and fulfilling their commitments.
