Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday said the government was ready to work on the “principle of give and take” for his landlocked country to have access to the Red Sea.

Shortly after being sworn in for a third term on Monday, Abiy said access to the Red Sea was critical to Ethiopia’s “civilisation” and that he would work to ensure the country has a port.

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

“Based on the principle of give and take, we will work diligently to ensure that Ethiopia has an outlet to the sea,” he said.

Neighboring countries said at a summit on Sunday that responsibility for the sea rests with states along its shores.

Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday that the country remains committed to dialogue and peaceful regional engagement while defending its sovereignty and national interests.