Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Djibouti on Sunday for high-level talks with President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, focusing on regional security in the Horn of Africa and deepening economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, officials said.
Abiy was received by Guelleh in the Djiboutian capital, where discussions centred on geopolitical developments, peace and stability in the region, and ways to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in trade, logistics and development.
“Discussions focused on geopolitical dynamics, regional peace and security, and strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, logistics, and development,” Abiy said in remarks shared on social media, adding that both sides reaffirmed a shared commitment to stability, economic integration and mutual prosperity.
The visit underscores the strategic importance of relations between Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous country, and Djibouti, a small but influential state that serves as a vital maritime gateway for the landlocked Ethiopian economy.
Ethiopia depends on Djibouti’s ports for the vast majority of its imports and exports, including fuel, food, and industrial goods. Trade and logistics cooperation therefore form the backbone of bilateral relations, with Djibouti hosting key port facilities, railway infrastructure and logistics corridors linking Ethiopia to global markets.
The two leaders discussed ways to further enhance this partnership amid Ethiopia’s growing trade volumes and infrastructure needs. Analysts say sustained cooperation with Djibouti is essential for Ethiopia’s economic recovery and long-term growth, particularly as Addis Ababa seeks to expand exports and attract foreign investment.
Security issues also featured prominently in the talks, against a backdrop of persistent instability across the Horn of Africa. The region has been grappling with multiple challenges, including conflicts in Sudan, tensions in Somalia, and the aftermath of internal unrest in Ethiopia.
Djibouti, which hosts several foreign military bases and positions itself as a diplomatic hub, has played an active role in regional mediation efforts and international security initiatives. Ethiopia, meanwhile, remains a key political and military actor in the Horn, with its stability closely tied to that of its neighbours.
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The visit comes as regional governments intensify efforts to promote dialogue, reduce tensions and advance economic integration through organisations such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
Observers note that cooperation between Djibouti and Ethiopia is particularly significant at a time when regional trade routes and supply chains face pressure from global economic uncertainty and security risks.
Abiy’s trip also reflects Ethiopia’s broader diplomatic engagement with neighbouring states as it seeks to consolidate peace at home following years of conflict and to reassert its role as a central pillar of stability in the Horn.
While no formal agreements were announced during the visit, officials said the talks reinforced existing frameworks for cooperation and signalled continued alignment on key regional priorities.
Relations between Djibouti and Ethiopia have traditionally been close, anchored by shared economic interests and longstanding political ties. Djibouti’s ports handle more than 90 percent of Ethiopia’s foreign trade, and the two countries jointly operate critical infrastructure such as the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway.
The visit is expected to further strengthen coordination on trade facilitation, infrastructure development and regional security, at a time when the Horn of Africa remains both strategically vital and politically fragile.
As regional leaders seek to balance security imperatives with economic development, Ethiopia and Djibouti’s partnership continues to serve as a cornerstone of stability and integration in one of Africa’s most geopolitically sensitive regions.
