Landlocked Ethiopia has no intention of starting a war with neighbouring Eritrea in order to gain access to the sea, the country's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has said.

A previous statement, in 2023, that having a seaport was an "existential issue" for the nation sparked concerns that the Ethiopia could take one by force.

Abiy's comments to parliament on Thursday came amid fresh concerns that the neighbours, which have had a fractious relationship in the past, could be involved in a conflict again.

The prime minister said the issue of sea access for the world's most populous landlocked nation should be resolved through diplomacy and mutual benefit.