ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — (Horn Post) Ethiopia has defended its growing push for access to the Red Sea, insisting that securing maritime access is a strategic economic necessity rather than a confrontation with neighboring states, as Addis Ababa outlined a sweeping new foreign policy vision amid shifting global and regional power dynamics.
Speaking at a major diplomatic forum, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Dr. Gedion Timothewos said the world is entering a period of profound transformation where international cooperation is increasingly strained by geopolitical competition, forcing nations to rethink their place in a rapidly changing global order.
“We meet at a moment when diplomacy is being redefined not by choice but by necessity. The assumptions that once anchored international cooperation are under strain,” said Dr. Gedion Timothewos.
The Ethiopian government said its foreign policy strategy is now centered around three key realities: unresolved tensions in the Horn of Africa, a global environment increasingly shaped by geopolitics, and Ethiopia’s domestic economic transformation agenda.
Ethiopia Defends Red Sea Access Push
One of the strongest messages from Addis Ababa focused on Ethiopia’s long-standing demand for access to the sea, a highly sensitive issue that has fueled debate across the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia argued that access to maritime routes is critical for national development, trade, logistics and long-term economic planning, rejecting suggestions that its position represents a threat to neighboring countries.
“Access to maritime routes is a matter of national development and regional interdependence. It should not be framed as confrontation. It should be framed as necessity,” the minister said.
Officials stressed Ethiopia seeks dialogue and cooperation rather than conflict, saying economic integration in the Horn of Africa cannot fully succeed without solving regional connectivity challenges.
The government added that Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access is not directed against any neighboring country and does not undermine sovereignty.
“Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the sea is rooted in development, connectivity and economic efficiency. It is not directed against any state, nor does it diminish the sovereignty of any neighbors,” Gedion said.
Ethiopia Warns Against Proxy Competition in Horn of Africa
Addis Ababa also emphasized its role in regional peace efforts, saying no country in the Horn of Africa can achieve lasting security in isolation.
Ethiopia highlighted its engagement in Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia, arguing that regional conflicts require regional solutions rather than external interference.
“Regional problems require regional solutions. This is not a slogan. It is a practical assessment of how peace is built and sustained,” the Ethiopian foreign minister said.
The government warned against actions by both state and non-state actors that it said continue to undermine peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia Defends Nile Policy and GERD Project
Ethiopia also reaffirmed its long-standing position on the Nile River dispute, rejecting what it called outdated claims over shared natural resources.
The government said the use of the Nile Basin should be guided by equity, cooperation and mutual benefit.
Officials defended the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), describing the project as a symbol of Ethiopia’s sovereign right to development.
“We reject approaches that frame development as a threat. Ethiopia’s approach to the Nile issue is based on sovereignty, self-reliance and the right to pursue development without imposing harm on others,” Gedion stated.
Concerns Over TPLF and Domestic Stability
On domestic affairs, the Ethiopian government said national reconciliation remains central to its foreign policy credibility.
Addis Ababa said implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, signed after the conflict in Tigray, remains essential for long-term peace.
However, officials raised concerns over what they described as hardline elements within the TPLF (Tigray People’s Liberation Front) who have allegedly failed to fully commit to disarmament and peace implementation.
According to Ethiopia, accumulation of weapons and confrontational political strategies threaten long-term stability.
“Peace agreements succeed when all parties invest in reconciliation rather than confrontation,” the minister said.
Ethiopia Expands Climate Diplomacy Through Green Legacy Initiative
The government also highlighted Ethiopia’s growing international environmental agenda under the Green Legacy Initiative, a large-scale national reforestation and climate resilience campaign.
Officials said climate diplomacy is becoming a central pillar of Ethiopia’s international identity and economic future.
The government indicated this strategy would shape Ethiopia’s approach toward seeking leadership roles in future global climate negotiations, including COP32.
“Climate cooperation is not a peripheral agenda. It is central to the future of global governance,” Gedion said.
Ethiopia Prioritizes Economic Diplomacy and African Strategic Independence
Ethiopia announced it is redefining its diplomatic priorities to focus more aggressively on economic transformation, trade partnerships, technology transfer and integration into global financial markets.
The government highlighted efforts to deepen engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and accelerate accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Officials also argued Africa must use the current era of geopolitical competition to exercise greater strategic independence.
“The key challenge is not the existence of competition, but the ability of African states to define their own priorities within this space,” Ethiopia said.
Ethiopia Calls for Cooperation Over Conflict with Eritrea
In closing remarks, Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful relations with neighboring Eritrea, while expressing concern over regional developments that it said undermine Ethiopian stability.
The government warned against proxy conflicts, mutual suspicion and external interference across the Horn of Africa.
“The future of the Horn of Africa cannot be built on proxy competition, mutual suspicion, or the instrumentalization of internal conflicts. It must be built on cooperation, economic integration and respect for sovereignty,” Gedion said.
Ethiopia concluded by reaffirming its commitment to dialogue over confrontation and regional cooperation as the foundation for long-term peace and development in the Horn of Africa.
Prepared by:
Horn Post Staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
