On April 17, President Xi Jinping sent a message to Ismail Omar Guelleh, congratulating him on his re-election as President of the Republic of Djibouti.

Xi Jinping noted that China and Djibouti share a deep traditional friendship. In recent years, bilateral political mutual trust has been increasingly consolidated, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results. President Guelleh has long been committed to promoting China-Djibouti friendship and exchanges and cooperation in various fields, which Xi expressed appreciation for. Xi emphasized that he highly values the development of China-Djibouti relations and is willing to work with President Guelleh to continue firmly supporting each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns, implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, continuously enrich the content of the China-Djibouti comprehensive strategic partnership, and better benefit the peoples of both countries.

Djibouti

Djibouti is a small country in the Horn of Africa, strategically located at the entrance to the Red Sea. Its capital, also named Djibouti City, was founded by French colonists in 1888 and served as the capital of French Somaliland, later becoming independent in 1977. Today, the country is known for its unique lunar-like landscapes, the salt-rich Lake Assal, and its role as a key international shipping and military hub.

Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is a formal multilateral platform established in 2000 to foster economic, political, and cultural ties between China and African nations. It was launched in Beijing with the aim of promoting mutual development, and has since held regular summits to coordinate cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and health. Over the years, FOCAC has become a key mechanism for China-Africa relations, facilitating significant investment and dialogue on global issues.

Beijing Summit

The Beijing Summit typically refers to high-level meetings held in Beijing, China, such as the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). This summit marked a significant milestone in China-Africa relations, with leaders discussing cooperation in areas like trade, infrastructure, and development. It built on a history of diplomatic engagement, reinforcing China’s role as a key partner for African nations since the early 2000s.