Addis Ababa: Countries in the east African region should support and cooperate with Ethiopia since the country’s quest for access to seaport is a genuine move to maximize mutual growth, said Ethiopian ambassador to Tanzania.
Speaking to ENA, Ethiopian Special Envoy and Plenipotentiary to Tanzania Ambassador Shibru Mamo said that the Recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland is a landmark and a practical response for cooperation and mutual development.
On January 1, 2024; Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inked a historic MoU in Addis Ababa with the President of Somaliland Muse Bihe Abdi). The MoU for Partnership and Cooperation, between Ethiopia and Somaliland, is intended to serve as a framework for the multisectoral partnership between the two sides.
The deal is also believed to pave the way to realize the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea and diversify its access to seaports.
Ambassador Shibru added the MoU is also a remarkable diplomatic success story tha
t the Ethiopian government has achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Moreover, the accord would allow Ethiopia to utilize the seaport from the Red Sea, one of the most strategic world trade routes.
The ambassador also expressed belief that Ethiopia’s access to seaport will significantly contribute to develop cooperatively and in solidarity with countries in the region.
‘The biggest thing is that a MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland would promote the principle of cooperation. This is also aligned with the international rules for access to coastline. On the other hand, this agreement can ensure the economic benefit of Somaliland and allow it to have a proportional share from Ethiopia,’ Shibiru stated.
Beyond accelerating Ethiopia’s growth by increasing its import-export trade, the ambassador is convinced that the deal will gradually change the political, economic and security situation in the region for the better.
According to him, access for additional ports for Ethiopia is crucial
in order to properly accommodate its ever growing economy and population.
In this regard, countries in the region should understand the real challenges of Ethiopia as well as its peaceful approach by supporting its endeavor in getting access to port, citing Tanzania for sharing its ports to its neighboring countries for mutual benefits.
Tanzania, which has eight neighboring countries and seven ports, created a favorable environment around its ports by constructing massive infrastructure in railway and other dry transport, he indicated.
With this, the Tanzanian government has not only donated about 20 hectares of port to Zambia, but also allowed Zambian goods to stay at the port for 45 days without fee, he said.
Therefore, he said, Ethiopia’s neighboring countries should follow Tanzania’s footsteps in this regard to reinforce mutual development for the betterment of the east African region
Source: Ethiopian News Agency