On November 5, 2026, Djibouti's Institute of Diplomatic Studies hosted a high-level meeting between Djibouti's authorities and a delegation from the European Union's Committee on Political and Security (COPS), led by Ambassador Lene Mandel-Vensild. The meeting, co-chaired by Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar and Interior Minister Omar Abdi Saïd, focused on key issues, including the evolution of the partnership between Djibouti and the EU in security and defense, as well as regional peace, stability, and security challenges.
The discussions centered on regional and international security concerns, as well as prospects for strengthening the strategic partnership between Djibouti and the EU, particularly in security and defense. Djibouti's Ambassador to the EU, Aden Mohamed Dileïta, highlighted Djibouti's commitment to solidarity and hospitality in hosting refugees and asylum seekers. He emphasized that the visit was an opportunity to consolidate dialogue, share analyses on the regional situation, and explore ways to enhance cooperation.
Interior Minister Omar Abdi Saïd underscored Djibouti's strategic location at the junction of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean, making it a critical player in international maritime security. He stressed the need for increased vigilance and coordination with international partners, including the EU, to address threats to commercial vessels, navigation freedom, and illicit trafficking in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea.
Minister Abdi Saïd expressed his department's willingness to deepen cooperation with the EU in areas such as training, capacity building for armed forces, intelligence sharing, and maritime surveillance. He also emphasized the importance of integrating migration and humanitarian challenges into a comprehensive security approach, given Djibouti's particular responsibilities due to its geographic position and regional role.
Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar praised the meeting as a testament to the strong relations between Djibouti and the EU. He highlighted the partnership's foundation on mutual trust, converging interests, and a shared commitment to regional peace, security, and stability. The discussions also covered various current issues, including the situation in the Horn of Africa, developments in the Yemen conflict, and their impact on Red Sea security.
The challenges faced by refugees and migrants were also addressed, with Minister Omar reaffirming Djibouti's commitment to multilateralism and respect for international law as essential foundations for peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution. The COPS ambassadors acknowledged Djibouti's strategic role in the Red Sea and the importance of the country's support for EU operations.
The meeting reflects the EU's recognition of Djibouti's significance as a regional security actor and its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the country. Key areas of cooperation include security and defense, migration management, and humanitarian response, with the EU and Djibouti seeking to build on their shared interests and values to promote peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- The EU's Committee on Political and Security (COPS) visited Djibouti to discuss regional security, defense cooperation, and migration challenges.
- Djibouti and the EU are committed to strengthening their strategic partnership, particularly in security and defense.
- The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation on migration and humanitarian issues, given Djibouti's role as a major host country for refugees and asylum seekers.
