By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Djibouti, 12 January 2026 Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh on Sunday to accelerate joint infrastructure projects and strengthen a strategic partnership that serves as the landlocked nation’s primary gateway to global trade.
The visit, which included a tour of Djibouti’s major port facilities, comes as the two Horn of Africa neighbours seek to deepen economic integration. Ethiopia relies on Djibouti's ports for more than 95 per cent of its maritime trade, a relationship that has become increasingly vital amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Red Sea.
"Our discussions focused on geopolitical dynamics, regional peace and security, and strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, logistics, and development," Abiy said in a statement. He described Djibouti as a "valuable ally" and Guelleh as an "enlightened leader."
The two leaders held a one-on-one audience at the Palace of the Republic, where they reviewed progress on ongoing bilateral programs. Officials said the talks reached a "convergence of points" that will set the agenda for a joint ministerial commission scheduled to meet in Djibouti on Jan. 19.
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"Abiy Ahmed is a brother... working towards continuous strengthening of the privileged links between our two nations," President Guelleh told reporters following the meeting.
Abiy was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Birhanu Tsegaye. The Djiboutian side included Foreign Minister Aboulkader Houssein Omar and Economy Minister Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh.
The working visit follows recent regional moves by other powers, including Egypt, to increase their presence in Djiboutian logistics. For Ethiopia, maintaining a seamless corridor through Djibouti remains a top national priority as it navigates economic reforms and seeks to stabilize its access to the sea.
