Ethiopia in talks with Somaliland over Red Sea access

Ethiopia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime has confirmed the Ethiopian government held discussions with Somaliland on Tuesday regarding the potential utilisation of Berbera port.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had in October emphasised the importance of access to the Red Sea for his country, raising concerns in neighbouring Somalia.

Somaliland is seen as a route for Ethiopia to the sea.

Alemu updated a cabinet meeting chaired by PM Abiy about the ongoing talks, noting Ethiopia's heavy reliance on Djibouti's port for 95 per cent of its trade as well as efforts to diversify through talks for the Berbera port usage.

Ethiopia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime. (Photo: Courtesy)

"Ethiopia has received 95 per cent of its expenditure products at Djibouti Port. An expansion of the border options is underway," read part of the minister's speech.

He also disclosed that discussions with the Kenyan Government for using the Lamu port were progressing positively.

While addressing Parliament on 14 November, Abiy said Ethiopia will not seek sea access through war after previous remarks about seeking access to the Red Sea raised regional concerns.

"There are fears that Ethiopia may carry out an invasion after our recent strong demand for access to the sea," Abiy told thousands of troops in Addis Ababa for National Army Day.

"Ethiopia has no interest in firing a single bullet towards Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya or any other country in its neighbourhood; nor do we have any question on the sovereignty of any country. I want to assure you that Ethiopia will not pursue its interests through war. We are committed to mutual interest through dialogue and negotiation."