AWAZA, TURKMENISTAN — Ethiopia and Turkmenistan have agreed to deepen cooperation in maritime transport and logistics following a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the UN LDC3 conference in Awaza.
The Ethiopian delegation was led by H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime, Minister of Transport and Logistics, while Turkmenistan was represented by H.E. Azat Shanazarov, Head of the State Service of Maritime and River Transport. Ethiopia’s Special Envoy and Ambassador to Turkmenistan, H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula — based in Islamabad — also attended the discussions.
Talks focused on maritime transportation, logistics, and building technical capacity. Both countries agreed to exchange delegations for knowledge sharing and sectoral training.
Dr. Alemu Sime highlighted Ethiopia’s economic growth under Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, stressing the government’s efforts toward sustainable development and regional integration. He reiterated Ethiopia’s peaceful and diplomatic approach for access to the sea, which he said would enhance economic growth across the region.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker reaffirmed that Ethiopia’s aspirations for sea access are legitimate and fully aligned with international law.
In response, H.E. Azat Shanazarov praised Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reforms, noting their role in driving progress and development. He expressed Turkmenistan’s readiness to share expertise in the maritime sector and to strengthen bilateral cooperation.