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.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Ethiopian Ambassador Dr Oumer Hussien, who called on the minister for the first time after assuming his diplomatic assignment.
The two sides reviewed proposals and measures to expand bilateral trade and economic engagement, said a statement on Thursday.During the meeting, Chaudhry mentioned 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 highlighted that, despite being a landlocked country, Ethiopia could significantly enhance its trade capacity by utilising the Port of Djibouti under a structured maritime arrangement. He added that a formal agreement could be signed following the completion of necessary groundwork, with a ceremony planned to mark the occasion.
