Djibouti Welcomes Integration of the Horn

Addis Ababa November 18/2018 Djibouti praised Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for the remarkable changes he brought both at internal and regional level and welcomed integration of the Horn. Premier Abiy Ahmed and Djiboutian President, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, have discussed on wide range of bilateral and regional issues today at the sideline of the 11th African Union Extraordinary Summit in Addis Ababa. Subsequent to the discussion of the two leaders, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Workneh Gebeyehu, told journalist that the two leaders have discussed on ways to heighten bilateral ties and the integration of the region. The two leaders pushed on the integration of the Horn of Africa and appreciated lifting of sanctions on Eritrea, he stated. Prime Minister Abiy assured that Ethiopia will continue to play its role in building smooth relations between Eritrea and Djibouti through facilitating all conducive approaches, Workneh said. Djiboutian Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said that since Abiy has elected as Prime Minister of Ethiopia, he managed to change the political landscape of the region. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf added that Abiy is really champion of the integration process in the Horn of Africa, which Djibouti highly commended it. “As far as the Djibouti and Eritrea concerned, we thank the Prime Minister for all he has done. We have also worked with Ethiopia to lift the sanctions that were imposed on Eritrea,” Ali Youssouf noted. Stressing the recent Ethiopia’s effort, he said “all other pending issues will be resolved with the help of Prime Minister Abiy.” He noted that the region is heading to a very positive and dynamic way, adding that Djibouti is very optimistic and willing to see the Horn of Africa in a real integration.