ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Ethiopia have agreed to explore the establishment of a trilateral maritime alliance, potentially involving Djibouti, to strengthen trade connectivity between Asia and Africa.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Ethiopian Ambassador Dr Oumer Hussein.
Alliance to boost regional trade links
The proposed framework aims to create a structured maritime arrangement linking Pakistan, Ethiopia and Djibouti, with the possibility of expanding to other countries in the future.
Officials said the initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader push to enhance maritime cooperation with African nations under its “Look Africa” and “Engage Africa” policies.
The minister emphasised that stronger maritime connectivity could significantly improve trade flows between Asia and Africa, opening new avenues for exports and logistics cooperation.
Djibouti port key for landlocked Ethiopia
Despite being a landlocked country, Ethiopia could benefit from improved access to global markets by utilising the Port of Djibouti under the proposed arrangement.
Chaudhry noted that such a setup would allow Ethiopia to enhance its trade capacity while strengthening regional economic integration.
Both sides agreed to initiate technical consultations, with designated focal persons tasked with developing operational modalities and a practical framework for the alliance.
The Ethiopian envoy welcomed Pakistan’s proposal and expressed optimism that cooperation could expand across sectors including pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture and food products.
Officials indicated that a formal agreement may be signed after the completion of groundwork and expert-level discussions.
The move reflects Pakistan’s growing focus on maritime diplomacy and its efforts to position itself as a key trade bridge between Asia and Africa.