Djibouti has significantly increased its diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The country's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoul Kader Housseyn Omar, led a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings. These discussions focused on sustainable development, climate change, regional security, and enhancing partnerships. The goal is to address global challenges and promote cooperation between Djibouti and other nations.

Minister Omar met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss regional developments and the humanitarian impact of the Yemen crisis on Djibouti. The two also explored ways to strengthen cooperation between Djibouti and the UN. Additionally, Omar held talks with Rania Al-Mashat, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). Their discussions centered on supporting fiscal policies, expanding financial space, and promoting sustainable development.

Security and regional issues were a key focus of Djibouti's diplomatic efforts in New York. Minister Omar met with Natalia Guerman, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. They emphasized the need for cooperation in combating cross-border terrorist threats, particularly in the Horn of Africa. Omar also participated in an Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ministerial meeting, where he called for continued diplomatic action on the Palestinian issue and crises in Sudan, Yemen, and the Rohingya situation.

Djibouti also engaged with various countries to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation. Minister Omar met with his counterparts from Kuwait, Oman, Rwanda, and Benin to discuss ways to enhance ties in areas such as ports, logistics, and expertise exchange. The meetings also touched on regional and international issues, including the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, and maritime security.

Djibouti's diplomatic efforts also involved discussions with senior officials from the United States, Germany, and Azerbaijan. Minister Omar explored ways to expand partnerships and enhance coordination on regional and international challenges. With his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, Omar focused on developing relations in trade, economy, education, and humanitarian cooperation.

Economically and developmentally, Djibouti emphasized the importance of financing, sustainable development, and justice in the international system. Minister Omar participated in a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative, highlighting the role of South-South cooperation and the importance of China, Africa, and the UN in supporting sustainable development goals. He also attended the annual ministerial meeting of the G77 and China, focusing on technology transfer, capacity building, and bridging the digital divide.

The diplomatic efforts by Djibouti demonstrate the country's commitment to addressing global challenges and promoting cooperation. Through its active engagement at the 81st UN General Assembly, Djibouti aimed to strengthen its relationships with other nations, enhance its presence on the international stage, and contribute to discussions on key issues such as security, development, and climate change.

Key points

  • Djibouti intensifies diplomatic presence at the 81st UN General Assembly
  • Minister Omar engages with global leaders on sustainable development, climate change, and regional security
  • Djibouti seeks to strengthen partnerships with countries in various regions to address global challenges

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.