Ethiopia will continue its efforts to secure reliable access to the Red Sea based on the principles of dialogue and mutual benefit.

Operativ Media reports that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said this during his address to parliament after taking the oath of office for a new term.

The prime minister stated that Ethiopia's long-term national interests and development plans are closely linked to securing reliable access to the sea. According to him, the government will seek to achieve this goal through dialogue, mutual benefit, and mutual compromise.

Abiy Ahmed noted that the government will also continue to implement major infrastructure and economic projects.

The prime minister said Ethiopia plans to develop foreign policy relations with neighboring states based on common interests and mutual benefit. He emphasized that access to the Red Sea will remain among the country's top priorities.

This statement comes amid growing disagreements in recent days regarding Ethiopia's role in the Red Sea issue.

On October 4, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia stated in their joint declarations following a summit in New Alamein that the management of the Red Sea is solely the responsibility of coastal states.

On October 5, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the country's "legitimate interests" and historical ties to the Red Sea must be taken into account in any serious discussions regarding regional maritime issues and security architecture.

Ethiopia lost its access to the sea after Eritrea gained independence in 1993. The bulk of the country's foreign trade is carried out through the port of Djibouti.