Riyadh(Mogadishu24)-Djibouti’s President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, addressed Djibouti’s transformative agendas and advanced economic infrastructure progress during the Saudi-Africa Economic Conference on Friday. The conference aimed to explore potential economic cooperation between African countries and Saudi Arabia.

President Guelleh commended Saudi Arabia’s initiative in hosting the Saudi-Africa Conference, acknowledging the Kingdom’s vital role in reinforcing cooperative principles for a better future in Africa and the world.

“Given the current geopolitical changes, we commend the Saudi initiative in hosting the Saudi-Africa Cooperation Forum. The Kingdom has played a vital role in reinforcing cooperative principles for a better future in the region and the world,” said President Ismail Omar Guelleh.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s unique position in introducing innovative initiatives and contributing to problem-solving solutions, particularly in the growth of the Horn of Africa and Red Sea regions.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia serves as an exemplary model in aligning with Africa’s development efforts, actively contributing to the growth of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea regions. The Kingdom’s valuable support extends beyond financial and investment contributions, influencing various aspects of life, including politics, security, and state integration,” he stated.

President Guelleh emphasized that the conference would form a longstanding economic relationship between Saudi Arabia and African countries.

“Undoubtedly, this significant development marks a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between Saudi Arabia and the African continent,” he added.

He commended the establishment of a Council comprising Arab and African States along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, strengthening cooperation and complementarity among member states.

President Ismail Omar Guelleh reiterated Djibouti’s commitment to enhancing economic and investment cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the African continent.

“The Djiboutian government expresses gratitude for the Kingdom’s support in project development and affirms its commitment to enhancing economic and investment cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the African continent,” he added.

He critically addressed Djibouti government’s strong stance on supporting Palestinian civilians, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

He further called for immediate assistance and a robust response from African governments to aid and safeguard their brothers in Gaza, facing life-threatening conditions and denial of basic rights such as water, food, medicine, fuel, and communication.

“Turning our attention to Gaza City, it faces an imminent disaster, with its 2.5 million population trapped by the Zionist occupation (Israel). The residents endure abuse, displacement, and life-threatening conditions due to brutal bombardment, lacking basic rights like water, food, medicine, fuel, and communication,” President Guelleh said.

He added, “this difficult situation demands immediate assistance and a robust response. Our African governments bear a historic responsibility, and we must unite to aid and safeguard our brothers in Gaza in the most effective manner possible.”

Djibouti has achieved significant financial and institutional developments in sectors such as education, health, maritime affairs, and sports, as part of its 2035 vision.

With its strategic location as the gateway to the African continent, President highlighted Djibouti’s unique strengths such as advanced economic infrastructure and the largest free economic zone in Africa.

This strategic location along with its unique natural resources, Djibouti has positioned itself as a key trade hub on the continent, attracting investments and strengthening bilateral relations with countries including France, the United States, Russia, Italy, China, and several Arab nations.