China and Djibouti pledge cooperation on maritime security and regional stability

China and Djibouti have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and addressing global challenges following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Djiboutian Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar in Beijing.

A central focus of the discussions was the security of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Both nations called for the preservation of freedom of navigation for merchant vessels in accordance with international law, warning that escalating tensions in the Middle East pose a serious threat to the global economy and the stability of the Horn of Africa.

The two countries emphasized the need to prevent Middle Eastern conflicts from spreading into the Horn of Africa and advocated for de-escalation through diplomatic dialogue and adherence to the United Nations Charter. Beyond maritime security, the partnership aims to expand cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, security efforts against terrorism and piracy, and environmental sustainability.