By Zamzam Osman - Reporter
Djibouti, 14 January 2026 Members of the Djibouti Coast Guard have begun a specialized Turkish language training program aimed at strengthening communication and operational cooperation between the two nations, officials said on Tuesday.
The initiative, launched at the Turkish Embassy in Djibouti in collaboration with the Turkish Maarif Foundation, involves 30 officers. The program is designed to enhance the Coast Guard's international communication capabilities as part of broader efforts to secure regional maritime borders.
"This training directly responds to our maritime security needs and strengthens the international cooperation skills of our forces," said Wais Omar Bogoreh, Commander General of the Djibouti Coast Guard, during the opening ceremony.
Djibouti, located on the Bab al-Mandab Strait—a chokepoint for global oil and commercial shipping—serves as a critical hub for international maritime security. Turkey has been steadily expanding its influence in the Horn of Africa through infrastructure projects, military cooperation, and educational programs.
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Turkish Ambassador Erdal Sabri Ergen characterized the relationship between Ankara and Djibouti as "high-level," noting that the language program is a reflection of a partnership built on mutual interests.
"I hope this training program contributes significantly to the further strengthening of ties between Turkey and Djibouti," Ergen said.
The training comes as Djibouti continues to modernize its maritime surveillance and response capabilities. Officials expect the linguistic proficiency to facilitate better coordination with Turkish naval assets and technical advisors operating in the region.
