Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopia has secured a historic agreement with Somaliland, opening a new chapter in regional dynamics and granting the landlocked nation long-sought access to the Red Sea. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on January 1st lays the groundwork for wide-ranging cooperation across multiple sectors, while offering Ethiopia a crucial pathway to ports and maritime trade.
H.E. Ambassador Redwan Hussein, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, addressed the significance of the deal, highlighting its strategic value. “This MoU not only diversifies our options for sea access, but also positions Ethiopia to play a vital role in ensuring regional peace and security alongside securing our own national interests,” he emphasized.
Beyond the immediate benefit of port access, the MoU envisions a broader partnership encompassing trade, investment, technology, agriculture, and tourism. H.E. Dr. Gedion Temothewos, Minister of Justice, underscored this broader vision, stating, “This agreement transcends mere infrastructure; it paves the way for a comprehensive collaboration that will benefit both Ethiopia and Somaliland in numerous ways.”
The diplomatic community also took note of the agreement’s potential. During a briefing session for heads of diplomatic missions in Addis Ababa, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Policy, Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie, reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to peaceful solutions in securing maritime access. “This MoU reflects our unwavering belief in collaboration and diplomacy as the cornerstones for regional progress,” he stated.