Xi Jinping Meets with President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti

On the morning of December 9, 2022 local time, President Xi Jinping met with President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti in Riyadh.

Xi Jinping noted that strategic mutual trust between China and Djibouti has been deepened in recent years, cooperation in various fields has made fruitful achievements, and bilateral friendship has been deeply rooted in people's hearts. We appreciate Djibouti's valuable support for China on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang,  and China will continue to support Djibouti in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as its efforts in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions. China is ready to work with Djibouti to take the China-Djibouti strategic partnership to new levels.

Xi Jinping stressed that China is ready to expand exchanges and cooperation with Djibouti in various fields, including government, legislature, political parties, and military and at the sub-national level, strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on national governance and development experience, and enhance the synergy between the two countries' development strategies. China supports Djibouti in advancing its development plan of Vision Djibouti 2035, deepening cooperation in such areas as ports and investment, and jointly maintaining and operating flagship cooperation projects such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, so as to help Djibouti build a regional logistics hub. China will continue to help Djibouti improve people's livelihood, work together to cope with the extreme climate, and ensure food security. China will work closely with Djibouti to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, safeguard international fairness and justice, and contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region.

Guelleh said it is a pleasure to meet President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the First China-Arab States Summit, and extended his congratulations on President Xi Jinping's re-election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. Djibouti and China are friends, brothers, and strategic partners committed to achieving win-win cooperation. Djibouti thanks China for providing valuable assistance to Djibouti's economic and social development. Djibouti is ready to work with China to further consolidate the Djibouti-China strategic partnership and continue to push forward the construction of important infrastructure projects. Djibouti will continue to support China's legitimate position on issues concerning China's core interests.

Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and He Lifeng, among others, were present at the event.