Belarus, Ethiopia Discuss Challenges of Being Landlocked at BRICS Summit

Kazan, The Gulf Observer: Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on 23 October to discuss key issues, including the challenges faced by landlocked nations like their own.

Prime Minister Abiy emphasized Ethiopia’s struggles due to its lack of access to the sea, highlighting how critical this issue is for a rapidly growing country like Ethiopia, which boasts the second-largest population in Africa. Despite Ethiopia’s considerable fresh water resources, Abiy expressed frustration that its neighbors are reluctant to provide access to the sea. This difficulty is compounded by Ethiopia’s strong economic growth, with its GDP rising by 8.1% in 2023 and further growth expected.

Abiy stressed the need for fair access to seas and financial resources, advocating for cooperation rather than conflict. He acknowledged the importance of Belarus’s understanding, as both countries share the common challenge of being landlocked, which limits their economic and geopolitical opportunities.

President Lukashenko echoed Abiy’s concerns, noting that Belarus is also familiar with the challenges posed by its landlocked status. He expressed confidence that Ethiopia will eventually resolve the issue, emphasizing that peaceful negotiations are preferable to conflict in securing access to the sea. Lukashenko underscored the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation in addressing such shared difficulties.