Djibouti (Dawan Africa) — President Ismail Omar Guelleh on Monday received Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his delegation at the presidential palace in Djibouti City for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral defense and security cooperation.
According to an official statement from Djibouti’s Presidency, discussions focused on enhancing collaboration to safeguard maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital waterway for global trade. President Guelleh described Japan as an essential partner, underscoring the role of joint efforts in addressing emerging threats.
“The talks focused on preparing deterrence tools capable of responding to emerging threats,” the Djibouti Presidency said in a statement.
Minister Nakatani, for his part, expressed appreciation for Djibouti’s longstanding support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), which have maintained a base in the country for more than a decade.
“Minister Nakatani expressed his appreciation to the Government of Djibouti for its longstanding support to the activities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) in Djibouti,” the Japanese Ministry of Defense said in a press release.
He reaffirmed that Djibouti remains a key strategic partner for Japan’s regional security role and broader stability efforts.
Djibouti’s strategic position at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has made it a pivotal hub for global shipping and naval operations. Alongside Japan, the United States, China, and France also maintain military bases in the country, reflecting its central role in maritime security as well as the geopolitical competition among major powers.
