By Asha Elmi - Reporter
DJIBOUTI, Aug. 3 2026 – Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh met Italy's Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini on Sunday to discuss cooperation in higher education, scientific research and security, the state-run Djiboutian News Agency (ADI) reported.
The meeting at the presidential palace reviewed bilateral relations and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in energy, agriculture, scientific research and university education, according to ADI.
The two sides also discussed defence and security cooperation, including efforts to safeguard international maritime routes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic shipping corridor linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden that has faced heightened regional tensions, the agency said.
Bernini arrived in Djibouti on Saturday accompanied by a delegation that included her chief of staff, Professor Massimo Rubechi, chief adviser Stefania Costanza and Italy's ambassador to Djibouti, Fabrizio Saggio, ADI reported.
On the Djiboutian side, the meeting was attended by Acting Foreign Minister and Energy Minister Djama Mohamed Hassan, Economy and Finance Minister Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh and presidential diplomatic adviser Fathia Djama Oudine.
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In a separate meeting on Sunday, Bernini also held talks with Djibouti's Minister of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, Livestock and Marine Resources, Radwan Abdillahi Bahdon, focusing on cooperation in agriculture, water management, marine resources and food security.
According to ADI, the two ministers discussed developing joint projects on technology transfer, agricultural innovation, capacity building and climate-resilient farming practices to help address water scarcity and other climate-related challenges facing the Horn of Africa.
The discussions also examined ways to support Djibouti's agricultural sector as it transitions toward a more sustainable and resilient model, with the proposed cooperation aligned with the country's ADEEG National Development Plan 2025–2030, which identifies agriculture, marine resources and food security as priorities for economic diversification.
ADI said the meetings formed part of broader efforts by Djibouti and Italy to deepen cooperation across academic, economic, agricultural and strategic sectors.