Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Abd al-Qadir Husayn Umar, attended the 22nd Executive Council of the Sahel and Sahara States (SSG) in Tripoli, Libya, on Saturday. The meeting was held under the auspices of Libyan Prime Minister, Abd al-Hamid al-Dabaiba. During his speech, Minister Umar expressed Djibouti's appreciation for Libya hosting the session and commended Libya's efforts to reactivate the SSG, strengthen its institutions, and develop its working mechanisms.
Minister Umar emphasized the importance of reactivating the SSG's structures and enhancing the institutional and technical capacities of its executive secretariat. He stressed the need to transition from political commitments to concrete and tangible steps by establishing executive programs based on shared priorities and adopting effective follow-up and evaluation mechanisms. The Minister also highlighted the challenges facing the region, including terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime.
The Minister urged the need for solidarity and coordination among member states within a comprehensive approach that combines security and development requirements. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the SSG and the African Union, as well as other regional organizations, to ensure the integration of initiatives and efforts to consolidate security, stability, and development in the Sahel and Sahara regions.
During the session, Minister Umar reiterated Djibouti's commitment to the SSG's objectives and its readiness to contribute actively to reactivating its institutions and promoting regional integration among member states. The session discussed several key issues, including the return of the SSG's executive secretariat to its headquarters in Libya and the appointment of an interim executive secretary for a transitional period not exceeding six months.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Libyan Prime Minister Abd al-Hamid al-Dabaiba received Minister Umar, providing an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on enhancing cooperation and consultation between the two countries. The two parties also discussed the importance of reactivating the SSG and strengthening its institutions to serve regional cooperation, integration, and security.
Djibouti and Libya signed three memoranda of understanding on Friday to enhance bilateral cooperation and expand partnership areas. The agreements include exempting holders of diplomatic and special passports from entry visas, establishing a mechanism for political consultations between the two foreign ministries, and promoting cooperation between the two countries' diplomatic institutes through training programs and experience exchange.
Key points
- Djibouti's Foreign Minister participated in the 22nd Executive Council of the Sahel and Sahara States in Tripoli to discuss regional cooperation and security.
Reporting sources
- Al Qarn · Al Qarn
