DJIBOUTI CITY — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Djibouti on Friday on a working visit, where he was received by senior officials of the Djiboutian government, according to official sources.
The Somali leader is among several heads of state, government representatives, and international officials invited to attend celebrations marking the 49th anniversary of Djibouti’s independence from France on June 27, 1977. The national event is being held in the capital, Djibouti City, and is expected to feature official ceremonies attended by regional and international dignitaries.
Upon arrival, President Hassan Sheikh was accorded a formal welcome, reflecting the close diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring Horn of Africa states. Officials described the visit as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and political dialogue.
During his stay, the Somali president is expected to hold bilateral talks with his Djiboutian counterpart, President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. The discussions are anticipated to focus on strengthening longstanding ties between the two countries, including cooperation in security, trade, diplomacy, and regional stability.
Djibouti has played a key role in regional affairs and has historically maintained close relations with Somalia, hosting diplomatic initiatives and supporting international engagement on Horn of Africa issues. The two countries share deep social, economic, and political links, with regular high-level exchanges between their leaderships.
Officials said the upcoming meeting between the two presidents will also provide an opportunity to review regional developments, including security challenges in the Horn of Africa and efforts to enhance collective responses to instability.
The visit comes at a time when Somalia is seeking to expand diplomatic partnerships in the region while consolidating internal political and security reforms. Djibouti remains one of Mogadishu’s key allies in these efforts, particularly in multilateral cooperation frameworks.
The Somali presidency said President Hassan Sheikh’s participation in the celebrations reflects “historic brotherly relations” between the two nations and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit.
