• Agreements cover joint commission, political consultations, and development priorities
• Qatar aims to expand influence in East Africa via strategic Djibouti partnership
  

Djibouti and Qatar signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) in Doha to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors during a visit by Djibouti’s foreign minister, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar.

The first agreement sets up a Joint Commission to create a firm legal basis for cooperation and improve its implementation, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement released Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025.

The second MOU provides for regular political consultations to establish a strategic dialogue aimed at enhancing coordination on regional and international issues of shared concern.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency, Houssein Omar said infrastructure, energy, health, and education are priority areas for cooperation in the coming years. He added that investment in major development projects and the exchange of technical know-how are key to achieving sustainable growth and broad-based development in Djibouti.

Trade between Djibouti and Qatar remains modest, totaling $7.3 million in 2023, according to the International Trade Center. The two countries have been working for several months to expand ties, building on existing cooperation in port, logistics, and humanitarian sectors, following meetings in June and September to deepen relations and discuss regional issues.

Through this partnership, Doha seeks to expand its economic and diplomatic influence in East Africa, where Djibouti serves as a strategic maritime hub linking Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The country lies near some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and hosts military bases used by China, France, Italy, Japan, the United States, and NATO.

In addition to the two MOUs, Djibouti and Qatar reviewed two draft agreements: a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports, and a memorandum of understanding between their diplomatic institutes.

Lydie Mobio