U.S. Backs Ethiopia's Peaceful Push for Maritime Access – Ambassador

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 06 June 2025 01:09

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U.S. Backs Ethiopia's Peaceful Push for Maritime Access – Ambassador

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (HORN OBSERVER) – The United States has expressed strong support for Ethiopia's efforts to secure maritime access through diplomatic and peaceful means, according to U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga.

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U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga. | PHOTO/ U.S Embassy Addis Ababa/Facebook.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (HORN OBSERVER) – The United States has expressed strong support for Ethiopia's efforts to secure maritime access through diplomatic and peaceful means, according to U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga.

In an interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) published Thursday, Ambassador Massinga emphasized that maritime access is crucial for Ethiopia’s economic ambitions and regional integration.

"For a nation of Ethiopia’s scale — with a rapidly expanding economy and ambitious growth projections — access to maritime trade is of vital importance,” he said.

He underscored that the U.S. government is "fully committed” to assisting Ethiopia in its quest for sea access through commercial and diplomatic avenues.

"Strengthening maritime access through commercial, diplomatic, and peaceful avenues is a fundamental priority — one that the United States government and my embassy are fully committed to supporting,” Massinga stated.

Ethiopia has been actively pursuing regional cooperation to obtain port access, emphasizing mutual benefit and regional economic development.

These efforts have gained broad recognition from the international community.

Meanwhile, Addis Ababa is nearing completion of its ambitious Navy Headquarters project — a bold undertaking for a landlocked country.

The Ethiopian Navy has confirmed that construction is 95% complete.

The facility, located in the Janmeda area of the capital, spans three hectares and includes a four-story complex with offices, meeting halls, a clinic, and sports facilities.

Despite lacking a coastline, Ethiopian officials say the navy is vital to protecting trade routes, securing future maritime links, and responding to global maritime threats.

Earlier this year, Ethiopia deepened its naval ambitions by signing a cooperation agreement with Russia in March to support naval development and training. Ethiopian military officials also visited Moscow as part of the deal.