During a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 23, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed support for Ethiopia’s ambition to gain direct access to the sea, a long-standing challenge for the landlocked nation.
According to BelTA, Belarus’s official news agency, President Lukashenko stated that achieving this goal is “a matter of time” and criticized Ethiopia’s neighboring countries who might oppose this aspiration, calling them “complete fools.”
He suggested that Ethiopia could eventually achieve sea access either through peaceful negotiations or, if necessary, conflict, though he emphasized that peaceful means would be preferable.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed echoed these sentiments, describing the limitations imposed by lack of sea access as a significant national “pain” and underscoring the importance of equal access to resources and trade routes.
PM Abiy emphasized that Ethiopia seeks a fair and cooperative solution, remarking on Belarus’s supportive stance, which he described as vital for Ethiopia.
The two leaders also discussed the broader impacts of restricted access to maritime trade for both nations, as Belarus similarly faces challenges related to its limited port access.
Earlier this year, Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland to access Berbera Port directly.
The deal has caused unprecedented diplomatic tension pitting Somalia against Ethiopia and Somaliland.
