Addis Ababa, December 23, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia should ask for reclaiming its right and unlock the Red Sea for achieving prosperity, Addis Ababa University Interim President Samuel Kifle said.
A joint workshop entitled “Ethiopia’s Strategic Pursuit: Unlocking the Red Sea- a Journey Through History, Geopolitics and International Law” organized by Semera University in collaboration with Dire-Dawa, Addis Ababa, Jigjiga, and Mekelle universities kicked off today.
In his opening remark, the interim president of Addis Ababa University stated that the history of human civilization and the fight for global power supremacy have affected the nations neighboring the Red Sea and also invited others from distance.
Thus, he stressed “the Red Sea holds a high order in history, geopolitics and international trade.”
“For us, Ethiopians, the Red Sea was and still has remained to be part of our history, both as a curse and blessing. Now it seems a new world order is in the making that we should ask for reclaiming our right and unlock the Red Sea for our prosperity,” Samuel noted.
According to him, getting the facts right and informing others about Ethiopia’s pursuit for a fair access to the Red Sea is essential that needs due attention.
Semera University President, Mohammed Ousman said on his part that, as academic institutions, universities must create a platform to discuss and direct the right path of mutual benefit in the Red Sea corridor.
“Ethiopia, as a landlocked country, cannot hold itself aloof from emerging regional issues that could significantly affect its vital interest. Given its close proximity to the Red Sea and other adjacent states, as well as its growing economic demands and regional security concerns, Ethiopia must pursue peaceful means based on the principle of mutual benefit and expedition of regional integration to secure its access to the Red Sea,” the President elaborated.
He added that the task at hand is to clearly define Ethiopia’s strategic interest towards the Red Sea, ENA reported.