New Delhi, Oct. 6 -- Ethiopia lost direct access to the Red Sea in 1993 after Eritrea, formerly a region of Ethiopia, became independent.

Abiy said access to the Red Sea was critical to Ethiopia's "civilization" and that he would work to ensure the country has a port.

"Based on the principle of give and take, we will work diligently to ensure that Ethiopia has an outlet to the sea," he said shortly after being sworn in for a third term.

Ethiopia's relations with its regional neighbors have deteriorated in recent months. The country also faces renewed war with separatist rebels in the northern Tigray region.

Fighters from the Tigray People's Liberation Front have clashed with federal troops in the Tigray region, where a devastating two...