Ethiopia has recommitted to peaceful sea access pursuits, and is preparing for a third round of talks with Somalia, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiyou Tedla.
The Ethiopian diplomat highlighted that Addis Ababa will continue pursuing legal and diplomatic avenues to secure access to the sea.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Nebiyou also expressed gratitude to Turkey for facilitating bilateral talks between Ethiopia and Somalia in Ankara.
He confirmed Ethiopia's active participation in the upcoming third round of talks, highlighting the nation's dedication to avoiding unnecessary confrontation.
The statement comes in the wake of tensions following Ethiopia's signing of a Red Sea access agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. Somalia, in response, recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia and condemned the agreement as a violation of its territorial integrity.
The next round of talks between the two countries is set to take place in Ankara on September 17.