The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Eritrea to withdraw its military from areas of Ethiopia it claims to occupy and signalled its readiness for negotiations.

In a letter addressed to Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Salah, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gideon Timotiwos (PhD) said Eritrean forces are occupying northeastern Ethiopian territories, in violation of the country’s sovereign borders.

The letter noted that the Ethiopian government has repeatedly requested Eritrea’s withdrawal. It added that, if Eritrean troops pull back, Ethiopia is “willing to engage in good faith negotiations to resolve all issues of mutual interest, including maritime services and access to the sea through the port of Assab.”

The letter also accused Eritrea of providing “direct material support and assistance” to armed groups operating along the shared border. While the letter did not name these groups, the Ethiopian government has previously alleged Eritrean support for TPLF and Fano militants.

The correspondence underscores ongoing tensions between the two neighbours and signals Ethiopia’s preference for a diplomatic resolution, contingent on Eritrean compliance with territorial demands.