Through an Agreement with Somaliland, Ethiopia Secures Access to Red Sea

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the President of Somaliland Muse Bihe Abdi have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Addis Ababa.

The Memorandum of Understanding shall pave the way to realize the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea and diversify its access to seaports, the Office of the Prime Minister said.

According to the office, the MoU also strengthens security, economic and political partnership between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Furthermore, the Memorandum of Understanding also indicates the pathway to bolster their political and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms the principled position of the Ethiopian Government to advance mutual interests through cooperation on the basis of reciprocity. The MoU ushers in a new chapter of cooperation and has a huge significance for regional integration in the horn. It also enables Ethiopia to enhance its role in maintaining regional peace and security, the Office of the Prime Minister said.

“The Republic of Somaliland is about to get official recognition by the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, making it the first country in Africa to do so. In addition, Ethiopia will rent 20 kilometers of sea from the Republic of Somaliland. Ethiopia will also make use of the Berbera Port.” The President of the Republic of Somaliland underlined this humongous development after signed the MoU in the presence of PM Abiy and other officials