Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ONISHI Yohei has completed a visit to Djibouti to attend the inauguration ceremony for President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh.

Following the inauguration ceremony, Onishi paid a courtesy call on President Guelleh and delivered a letter from Japanese Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae.

After congratulating the President, Onishi told him Japan appreciated the role Djibouti plays in helping to ensure the freedom and safety of navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. He stated that Djibouti is an important partner for the promotion of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. 

He also said Japan wants to further develop relations with Djibouti across a wide range of fields, including development cooperation and security cooperation, such as support for the Self-Defense Forces facility. 

President Guelleh expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support to date and conveyed his hope for the further strengthening of bilateral relations.

Onishi also paid a courtesy call on Djibouti Foreign Minister Abdulla der Houssein Omar and Dileita Mohamed Dileita, the President of the National Assembly of Djibouti.

They discussed further strengthening bilateral relations, including security cooperation, economic cooperation, and business relations.

Onishi also visited the Japan Self-Defense Forces facility in Djibouti and confirmed Japan’s continuing role in maritime security of the region.