Djibouti and China have called for a de-escalation of tensions in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, warning of the repercussions of regional instability on global trade, energy and food security as well as the development efforts of riparian countries.
This position appears in a joint statement published on October 26, following talks held on October 21 in Beijing between the foreign ministers of the two countries, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar and Wang Yi.
Both sides believe that the escalation in the Red Sea poses a major threat to trade and investment, while increasing the risks linked to piracy and terrorism. They called on the actors concerned to favour dialogue and diplomatic means, while respecting the Charter of the United Nations and international law, in order to avoid an extension of conflicts in the Middle East towards the Horn of Africa.
Djibouti and Beijing also insisted on the need to preserve freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic passage for international maritime trade. They called on coastal countries and their partners to strengthen their cooperation to fight piracy and guarantee the security of sea lanes.
The press release also underlines that regional security cannot be dissociated from the situation in the Middle East. The two countries advocated for the effective implementation of the ceasefire agreements in Gaza, lasting peace and the implementation of the two-state solution, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions.
On the regional level, the two ministers defended an approach based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, dialogue between neighbouring countries and the search for African solutions to crises. Beijing reaffirmed its willingness to contribute to mediation efforts and regional cooperation in the areas of security, development and governance.
Both sides also expressed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any recognition of Somaliland as an independent entity.
This convergence comes as Djibouti occupies a strategic position on the maritime routes linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
For both countries, securing these navigation routes constitutes an issue that goes beyond the region, given their importance for international trade and the supply of economies.
TE/Sf/fss/as/APA