Ethiopia has reaffirmed what it calls its legitimate interests in the Red Sea and a central role in the Nile basin, rejecting measures it describes as coercive. The statement, released by Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry, followed a summit in Egypt involving Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. The leaders reaffirmed existing Nile water uses and opposed unilateral measures that affect Egypt’s and Sudan’s access to Nile water. Addis Ababa emphasized that the Blue Nile originates overwhelmingly in Ethiopia and said regional maritime and security arrangements must account for Ethiopia’s interests. It also stressed Ethiopia’s historical ties to the Red Sea, noting that Ethiopia’s nearest border lies just 48 kilometers from the sea. While Ethiopia did not mention the summit, the statement makes clear that Addis Ababa believes neighboring states cannot negotiate regional arrangements without accounting for Ethiopia. The dispute over water and sea access risks hardening regional blocs and long-term confrontation across the Horn of Africa.