French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access through peaceful negotiations during a one-day visit to Addis Ababa. While in the Horn of Africa nation, Macron lauded the Ankara Declaration, brokered by Turkey, which reaffirmed Ethiopian and Somali sovereignty and set February as the start of technical talks on Ethiopia’s sea access. This breakthrough follows a yearlong dispute over Addis Ababa’s agreement with Hargeisa that would have seen Ethiopia recognize Somaliland as an independent state in return for access to the sea. Somalia, which views Somaliland as part of its territory, criticized the deal and accused Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty. During his visit, Macron emphasized France’s readiness to help Ethiopia secure seafront access through international legal channels. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted strengthened ties and France’s role in facilitating access to the Red Sea.
SOURCE: VOA NEWS
