Djibouti, October 31, 2025 — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presented a Presidential Medal of Honor to Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh on Thursday, recognizing his pivotal role in supporting Somalia’s state-building efforts.
Speaking at the ceremony in Djibouti, President Mohamud said:"It is a great honor and privilege to award this medal on behalf of the Somali people to President Guelleh, in recognition of his leadership during the Arta Peace Conference and his enduring support for Somalia’s unity and development."
The award honors Guelleh’s leadership during the 2000 Arta Peace Conference, which helped lay the foundation for Somalia’s Third Republic after nearly a decade of civil war.
In his response, President Guelleh expressed appreciation for the honor, emphasizing the enduring bonds between the two nations:"This recognition is a symbol of brotherhood, neighbourliness, and shared heritage. Words cannot fully capture what I feel, nor the Somali people’s sentiments. Each day, our mutual solidarity grows stronger, reflecting the lasting ties of our friendship."
The ceremony underscores the deep diplomatic and historical ties between Somalia and Djibouti, highlighting Djibouti’s role as a mediator in Somalia’s path to peace and national reconciliation.