Islamabad: Pakistan and Ethiopia have agreed to explore the establishment of a trilateral maritime alliance, potentially involving Djibouti, aimed at enhancing trade connectivity between Asia and Africa.
According to Press Information Department, the understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Oumer Hussien. The meeting marked the ambassador’s first diplomatic engagement with the minister, during which both sides reviewed proposals and measures to expand bilateral trade and economic engagement.
During the meeting, Junaid Chaudhry highlighted Pakistan’s growing focus on expanding maritime links with African nations and proposed the formation of a three-country alliance comprising Pakistan, Djibouti, and Ethiopia. He noted that the framework could be expanded to include additional countries based on mutual consultations.
The minister pointed out that despite being landlocked, Ethiopia could significantly enhance its trade capacity by utilizing the Port of Djibouti under a structured maritime arrangement. He mentioned that a formal agreement could be signed following the completion of necessary groundwork, with a ceremony planned to mark the occasion.
Ambassador Dr. Oumer welcomed the proposal and emphasized the need for technical consultations between experts from both sides. Both sides designated focal persons to deliberate on operational modalities and develop a practical framework for the proposed alliance.
Junaid Chaudhry also briefed the ambassador on the performance and capacity of Pakistani ports, stating that recent cargo handling figures reflected an increase in operational efficiency. He noted that port activity in recent weeks had demonstrated throughput levels comparable to those typically achieved over a much longer period.
Highlighting efforts to strengthen economic engagement with Africa, the minister referred to a business facilitation initiative titled “Africa House,” aimed at providing a one-window platform for African traders to access Pakistani goods and services.
The Ethiopian envoy appreciated Pakistan’s outreach under its “Look Africa” and “Engage Africa” policies, describing them as reflective of a commitment to building enduring partnerships with East African nations. He noted that Ethiopia imports pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, garments, fertilizers, rice, and food products and expressed optimism about further expanding bilateral and regional cooperation under the proposed maritime framework.
Concluding the meeting, both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to translate the proposal into a practical initiative at the earliest.