Turkmenistan Expresses Support for Ethiopia’s Efforts to Secure Sea Access

Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: On the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (UNLLDC3), hosted by Turkmenistan, Plenipotentiary Ambassador and Special Envoy of Ethiopia, His Excellency Dr. Jemal Beker, held discussions with Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister, His Excellency Rashid Meredov, focusing on Ethiopia’s longstanding pursuit of sea access.

During the meeting, Turkmenistan expressed its support for Ethiopia’s efforts to secure a sea gate. Ambassador Beker provided a detailed explanation regarding the question of Bahir Ber, emphasizing that with a population exceeding 120 million, Ethiopia should not remain a “geographical prisoner.” He noted that Ethiopia is the largest country in the world without a port and stressed its historical and natural right to a sea gate—an asset lost due to complex internal and external circumstances.

The Ambassador reaffirmed that the Ethiopian government and people are committed to pursuing this objective through peaceful and diplomatic means, in full compliance with international law. He underscored that achieving sea access is not only vital for Ethiopia’s national interest but also for regional integration, economic development, and security.

Foreign Minister Meredov stated that Turkmenistan fully supports Ethiopia’s sea access request, recognizing it as a fundamental right and an important factor for regional cooperation. He acknowledged the shared challenges faced by landlocked countries and called for enhanced cooperation among them, as well as greater international support.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to collaborate closely on international platforms and to strengthen their bilateral relationship.