President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed the issue of Ethiopia’s access to the sea, emphasizing a nuanced perspective on the matter.
He stated, “We and Ethiopia do not disagree that Ethiopia should have access to the sea. We wonder how Ethiopia reaches the sea. It is not a war that Somalia’s government opposes Ethiopia’s access to the sea.” Speaking at the Conference on Enhancing Cooperation of Regional Economic Communities in East Africa, held in Mogadishu. In his speech, President Mahmoud emphasized that Somalia possesses abundant opportunities for growth and development.
President Mohamud clarified that Somalia’s concern lies more in the manner in which Ethiopia intends to achieve maritime access rather than outright opposition. He highlighted the importance of respectful engagement between Ethiopia and Somalia, emphasizing, “If Ethiopia wants to reach Somalia’s coasts, we are very close. Ethiopia should respect its Somali brothers because Somali brothers have the right to respect.”
He also delivered a keynote address at the Conference on Enhancing Cooperation of Regional Economic Communities in East Africa, held in Mogadishu. In his speech, President Mahmoud emphasized that Somalia possesses abundant opportunities for growth and development.
The conference, which commenced today, aims to foster collaboration among regional economic communities in East Africa. President Mahmoud underscored Somalia’s potential and highlighted the various avenues available for economic advancement within the country.
