Ethiopia and Djibouti Strengthen Ties with New Agreements at Joint Ministerial Commission

DJIBOUTI CITY—Ethiopia and Djibouti have reached new agreements on multiple areas of mutual interest at the conclusion of the 16th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) mid-term review meeting.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the meeting aimed to deepen cooperation across several key sectors including investment, illegal border trade, human trafficking, and infrastructure, particularly focusing on the transport and logistics sectors.

The JMC, a critical platform for both nations to enhance their bilateral relations, was led by Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Sime, and his Djiboutian counterpart, Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, Hassan Houmed Ibrahim. Over two days, the ministers and their delegations discussed several strategic initiatives, such as the ongoing construction of the Dekil-Galafi road, efforts to resolve bottlenecks in port services and transit, and improvements to customs service provisions.

Following these discussions, both countries have agreed to form technical committees to advance port and transit services, refine customs protocols, and bolster multimodal agreements previously established. Alemu Sime remarked on the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between Ethiopia and Djibouti, expressing confidence that government institutions from both sides would continue to collaborate effectively on the discussed agendas.

Hassan Houmed Ibrahim highlighted the constructive nature of the meeting and its significance in further strengthening the bilateral ties. The ministers underscored the importance of focusing on logistics and port collaboration to support ongoing and future joint infrastructure projects.

Ethiopia remains committed to its vision of shared development with neighboring countries, as demonstrated through its extensive cooperation with Djibouti in sectors like railway, potable water, energy, and cultural exchanges. This partnership aims to foster community and infrastructure connectivity, promoting sustained development and prosperity for both nations.