INAUGURATION
OF THE ASSAB PORT
In
ancient times, when Ethiopia enjoyed the unencumbered rights of her extensive
coastline, such a name as Adulis, the thriving port on the Red Sea, was a
recognized gateway for a flourishing maritime commerce. One of the underlying
motives for Our journey to Europe in 1924 was to secure at whatever cost a free
port for Ethiopia even if it meant securing one on lease. And as a result of
Our discussions with the then Italian leader what was proposed to be given to
Us as a concession did not exceed a few thousand square metres of land on the
coastline. But today, by the grace of God, Ethiopia is master of her
territorial waters and of her own ports. Today, We stand here at a moment when
history is to repeat itself, when Ethiopia will again have her own appropriate
role to play in international commerce. With the inauguration of the port of
Assab, which accords so readily and significantly with Ethiopia’s expanding trade, the
ocean-borne carriers of international trade will again shelter and service in
Ethiopian waters.
Dream Come True
The opening of the Assab Port is the
capstone of a significant chapter in the history of modern Ethiopia – the
fulfilment of a long-desired dream. The history of the return to Ethiopia of
her seaports, which this ceremony vividly recalls, is well-known. Only ten
years ago, Ethiopia’s commerce through the international sea-lanes was subject
to the wishes and dictates of others. Not only was Our country’s economic life
stifled but being left without any outlet to the sea, Ethiopia was barred from
enjoying the fruits of normal and unencumbered international trade. Only those
who have been required by geographical position or historical circumstance to
live without a port opening on an international waterway can appreciate the
full measure of the restrictions which are attendant upon a land-locked life.
It is unfortunate that even today, certain countries of the world suffer from
the same predicament. As We said on this very spot years ago when We here laid
the cornerstone for the construction of this now happily completed project: “No
Ethiopian of this or future generations can afford to forget the disadvantages
under which Our country suffered in the days when We had no access to the sea.”
Great
Destiny
In these days of
growing international contacts, when the world is becoming ever more closely
knit, when Ethiopia’s economy continues to expand, the Port of Assab is
destined to play a significant role, not only in keeping open the dispatch
routes for our commerce, but in rendering to the world’s merchant shipping
those maritime services necessary for the unhindered flow of men and materials
that have become an indispensable part of world life. This Port and its
activities will redound to the welfare of the entire country. Situated as it is
on the north-east edge of the Ethiopian plateau, the people of this region will
be the first to enjoy its benefits, but, ultimately, the impact which it will
have on the standard of living of the Ethiopian people will be felt by all.
Enhanced communications facilities stimulate trade, which in turn stimulates
further increases in production. This Port, in conjunction with the system of
roads which is being expanded, have been given the highest priority because of
the vital role which they play in the development of the nation and the
exploitation of its God-given wealth for the benefit and welfare of Our people.
The great destiny and the concrete
economic purpose of the Port of Assab will, We are confident, be now fully
realized. It will complement those of Massawa and Djibouti, and provide
adequate harbour facilities for Ethiopia's international commerce and
facilitate her connections with the world arteries of communication.
Yugoslav Assistance
On this occasion, We must recall the
significant part played in the accomplishing of this task by the healthy
relationship so happily existing between Ethiopia and Yugoslavia. We and Our people
shall remember with gratitude the invaluable assistance of H.E. Marshal Josip
Broz Tito who, by readily accepting Our suggestions in connection with this
Project, greatly contributed to its successful completion. The assistance
afforded in the construction of this Port remains a symbol of Ethio-Yugoslav
relations and friendship, which We fervently hope will continue to develop to
the mutual benefit of our two countries. We are pleased to welcome today
Yugoslavia’s special delegate to this ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Marin
Cetinic and We ask that he carry Our words of thanks with him to his country.
We must also refer to the painstaking work
undertaken and performed by Pomgard, work prosecuted with such diligence that
this programme has been completed ahead of schedule. To them, and to all who
have participated in this project, all thanks are due.
The Hand of the Almighty has been
constantly evident in guiding Ethiopia along the path of progress and development.
It is He who ordained that Ethiopia’s seaport should be returned to the
Motherland during Our time. It is He who crowned the labours here at Assab. We
invoke His blessing upon this Port in the hope that henceforth it will be a
blessing to the lives of Our people.
In the spirit of national dedication, We
call upon those who will administer this Port, and upon all whose lives will be
touched by its operations, to ensure that the Assab Port proves worthy of its
heritage and challenge, so that by its hospitality and efficiency, it may win
the friendship and admiration of international seafarers.
Dec.
3, 1961
Selected Speeches of His
Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie - page 561 –
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