Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder provided a readout of a recent phone conversation between U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and the President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, on August 19. During the call, Secretary Austin reaffirmed the strength of the defense partnership between the United States and Djibouti, highlighting the long-standing and strategic nature of their relationship.
Secretary Austin emphasized the vital role that Djibouti plays in regional security, acknowledging the country’s strategic importance in the Horn of Africa. The conversation also touched on opportunities for enhanced cooperation between the two nations, particularly in addressing regional security challenges. The dialogue underscored the mutual commitment of both the U.S. and Djibouti to further strengthen their defense ties and work collaboratively to promote stability in the region.