| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Haile Selassie I |
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| Selected Speeches |
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| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Selected Speeches |
| 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, be 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 Centinic 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 sea-farers.
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, be 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 Centinic 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 sea-farers.
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 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.
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 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.
| Haile Selassie the First - December 3, 1961 |
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 wates and 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.
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 wates and 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 form
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."
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 form
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 |
| Chapter XII |
| Inauguration of The Assab Port Dec. 03, 1961 |
| Transportation & Communication |