The Republic of Djibouti, represented by Minister of Economy and Finance Elias Moussa Dawaleh, participated in the 11th annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Doha, Qatar, on Monday. The meeting was attended by representatives of member countries, policymakers, business leaders, and financial partners to discuss the bank's strategic directions and priorities for the coming period. The meeting was held under the theme "Infrastructure for Tomorrow: Impact and Innovation" as the bank enters its second decade.
The meeting discussed several key issues, including sustainable and resilient infrastructure development, climate action financing, digital infrastructure, and mobilizing private capital. The discussions also focused on enhancing cross-border connectivity and trade corridors linking Asia to the Middle East. Djibouti's participation in the meeting is part of its efforts to strengthen partnerships with international financial institutions and mobilize new and innovative financing sources to support infrastructure and development projects.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Dawaleh held talks with AIIB President Zhu Xiayee to explore ways to enhance cooperation between Djibouti and the bank. The two sides discussed supporting priority development projects, particularly in areas such as regional connectivity, digital infrastructure, sustainable urban mobility, and green industry. Dawaleh emphasized Djibouti's aspiration to become a key partner for the bank, enabling the country to mobilize blended financing and attract more Asian investments.
Zhu Xiayee expressed her support for Djibouti's development priorities, which align with the bank's agenda. She noted that the bank is willing to study and evaluate projects proposed by Djibouti and explore possible financing options. The two sides agreed to task their technical teams to work on proposed projects, aiming to launch at least one joint project in Djibouti next year.
Minister Dawaleh also participated in the third meeting dedicated to the first replenishment of the financing facility of the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance. He stressed the center's importance in supporting developing countries, particularly in preparing infrastructure projects and enhancing regional connectivity. The meeting focused on preparing for the center's new phase of operations from 2027 to 2031 and discussing priorities and financial commitments.
Djibouti's participation in the AIIB annual meetings and other international forums reflects its efforts to strengthen its position as a regional hub for connectivity, trade, and logistics between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The country aims to leverage its partnerships with international financial institutions to support its development goals and address its infrastructure needs.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has been working to support its member countries in achieving their development goals through sustainable and innovative infrastructure solutions. With Djibouti's participation in the annual meetings, the country is expected to benefit from the bank's expertise and financing options to support its priority development projects.
Key points
- Djibouti participates in the 11th annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to discuss strategic directions and priorities.
- The meeting focuses on sustainable infrastructure development, climate action financing, and digital infrastructure.
- Djibouti aims to strengthen its partnership with the AIIB to support its development goals and infrastructure needs.
