Djibouti, a strategic partner on the Horn of Africa
Iran and Djibouti have recently announced their decision to resume diplomatic relations. On the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, Iranian and Djiboutian foreign ministers reached an agreement to forge friendly relations between Iran and Djibouti anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty, equality, mutual benefits, and peaceful coexistence.
Djibouti joined seven other nations in cutting ties with Tehran in support of Saudi Arabia in 2016, following demonstrations in Tehran and Mashhad protesting the killing of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, which led to tensions between Tehran and Riyadh.
Formerly known as French Somaliland and the French Territory of the Afars and Issas, the country took Djibouti as its name when it gained independence from France on June 27, 1977.
On the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is among the African countries with substantial potential in regional and subregional roles, holding a strategic and geopolitical position. It is situated on the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which lies to the east and separates the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden. The Bab-el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and international waters, making it a crucial point of connection between East and West. Therefore, Djibouti attracts the attention of many global and regional powers who seek to gain influence in Djibouti and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait through financial aid, military bases, or other means.
Possible gains of restoring ties
Its geographical and strategic position could potentially expand the operational scope of Iran’s naval forces in combating piracy and ensuring security in the region’s maritime waters. Thus, the importance of Djibouti lies in its ability to facilitate these efforts. Several regional and international powers, including the United States, France, Japan, Italy, and others, have military bases in Djibouti. China has also engaged in negotiations with Djibouti in recent years to establish a military base, as Djibouti is part of China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative. These foreign military bases underscore the significance of Djibouti’s geographical location.
Iran’s foreign policy is also based on a balanced doctrine with three principles: Dignity, interests, and wisdom. Excessive trust in the West and neglect of the East have led to significant harm to Iran’s national interests. A paradigm shift in foreign policy has occurred, aiming to rectify the shortcomings in relations with the East and utilize neglected capacities.
Now, with the resumption of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, regional countries are seeking to establish ties with Iran, and Djibouti has announced its intention to do so. Iran, with its capabilities, can work to ensure that countries like Djibouti are less influenced by certain powers in their relations with Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahin’s meeting with his Djiboutian counterpart, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in New York marked the first diplomatic encounter after Djibouti’s previous decision to sever ties with Iran.
The Iranian foreign minister emphasized that his country has witnessed positive developments in its relations with Djibouti over the years. He expressed Iran’s eagerness to see the natural progression of Iran-Djibouti relations.
He further emphasized that Iran regards Djibouti as a friendly and brotherly nation, saying, “We are keen to strengthen and consolidate relations with Djibouti as an important Muslim country in the Horn of Africa. We can establish strong relations and expand cooperation in all areas.”
The foreign minister of Djibouti also noted the solidarity among Islamic countries and said, “It is necessary to stand by each other in sensitive situations, and Djibouti welcomes the establishment of comprehensive relations with Iran.”
Jafar Qannadbashi, a senior expert on African affairs, points out that Djibouti has significant geopolitical capabilities. He adds, “Djibouti has important ports, and our shipping requires ports in the vicinity and along the coasts of Africa. Djibouti can be one of these ports.”
Iran, given its focus on economic issues as the centerpiece of its global policies, considers countries with strategic geographical positions like Djibouti to be important partners.
Mehr News Agency contributed to this report.