Awaza, Turkmenistan, August 8, 2025 – A high-level bilateral meeting between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Turkmenistan has opened new avenues for cooperation in the maritime transportation and logistics sectors. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the UN LDC3 Conference in Awaza, was led by H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime, Minister of Transport and Logistics of Ethiopia, and H.E. Azat Shanazarov, Head of the State Service of Maritime and River Transport of Turkmenistan.
Also present was H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Special Envoy and Ambassador of Ethiopia to Turkmenistan, with residence in Islamabad.
Discussions centered on enhancing collaboration in maritime transportation, logistics, and capacity building, with both sides agreeing to organize reciprocal delegation exchanges to promote knowledge sharing and professional development.
Minister Alemu Sime highlighted the Ethiopian Government’s ongoing homegrown economic reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, emphasizing that Ethiopia’s booming economy is creating vast investment opportunities, particularly in the maritime and logistics sectors. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s peaceful and diplomatic efforts to secure access to the sea—an objective firmly rooted in international law and aimed at fostering regional integration and shared prosperity.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker reiterated that the aspirations of the Ethiopian people for sea access are just and lawful, underscoring that such connectivity will significantly strengthen the country’s economic resilience and regional trade.
H.E. Azat Shanazarov praised Ethiopia’s economic transformation and expressed strong interest in technical cooperation, particularly in maritime expertise and infrastructure development, to further enhance bilateral relations.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepening Ethiopia–Turkmenistan cooperation, ensuring both nations benefit from increased connectivity, mutual learning, and expanded trade opportunities through maritime development.
BY: The Times Union
