A century-old dream finally comes true

China and Djibouti are working together to consolidate ties

Djibouti and China, though separated by a great distance, have great respect for each other and have treated each other equally while conducting win-win cooperation. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and in the past 40 years, they have reinforced their political mutual trust, boosted trade and economic cooperation and promoted people-to-people exchanges.

In April, nearly 40 heads of state and government, including Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, attended the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. It was a major diplomatic event that saw a broad consensus emerging on building a high-quality Belt and Road.

China and Djibouti have also signed important Belt and Road documents to further integrate their strategies for development. China is Djibouti’s biggest trading partner and investor while Djibouti serves as an important gateway to Africa for the Belt and Road Initiative.

Political mutual trust is the anchor for China-Djibouti ties. President Guelleh has made three visits to China in the past three years, and the two countries’ heads of state have jointly lifted China-Djibouti ties to a strategic partnership, adding new impetus to bilateral relations.

The bilateral trade volume for 2018 totaled $1.86 billion, a seven-fold increase in 10 years. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, built by Chinese enterprises, is Africa’s first electric railway with the whole project following Chinese standards. The railway opened a new route for transportation between Ethiopia and Djibouti. And Djibouti’s Doraleh multipurpose port, built by Chinese company, began making profit in just a year after its opening in 2017.

With a planned area of 48 square kilometers, the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone invested in by China is expected to be the largest free trade zone in Africa, attracting investments for Djibouti and other countries in the region.

Chinese companies’ involvement in Djibouti’s economic transformation is an important driving force for the local economy and Djibouti’s continuous high-speed growth.

Cultural exchanges, too, have become a catalyst for the development of China-Djibouti ties. Mutual understanding between the two peoples is deepening with growing public support. Each year, nearly 400 people from Djibouti come to China on a Chinese government scholarship or other training and studies programs.

This March, Africa’s first “Luban Workshop” began operations in Djibouti. It aims to provide quality vocational training for local people, the country’s youth in particular, and to encourage local talents to help run Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and port logistics in Djibouti. China’s Peace Ark hospital ship, the “Happy Chinese New Year” gala and the Chinese medical team are all goodwill moves that have helped deepen the bond between the two peoples.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the two heads of state, China-Djibouti relations have entered the best era and are sure to thrive if the following factors are taken care of.

First, both countries need to respect and support each other while safeguarding common interests. China supports Djibouti’s efforts to defend its sovereignty and explore a development path suited to its national conditions. And Djibouti adheres to its commitment to the one-China policy, while the two sides maintain close coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs of common concern.

Second, based on the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, both countries must keep promoting the Belt and Road Initiative and explore new channels for common development. Djibouti’s active involvement in the initiative has facilitated the construction of many interconnectivity projects, such as port, railway and free trade zone. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway is a major breakthrough for China’s “go global” strategy in railway construction and showcases China’s infrastructure standards to the world. The project also provides local people with safe, convenient and comfortable traveling options, reducing cross-border transportation costs, making logistics smoother, further promoting regional connectivity and unleashing the potential for development.

And third, the two countries should work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind based on sincerity, real results, friendship and good faith, and to serve the greater human good. China and Djibouti share similar historical experiences, shoulder common development tasks, and cherish the same pursuit of a better life. Thus, they can be reliable friends and sincere partners.

With China’s support, the Ethiopia-Djibouti cross-border water diversion project has been completed and supplies 100,000 cubic meters of water per day to Djibouti, greatly alleviating Djibouti’s freshwater shortage, which in President Guelleh’s words “is like a hundred-year dream coming true”.

Besides, the China-aided National Library and Archives of Djibouti is expected to play an important role in promoting its national culture and enriching people’s lives.

The past 40 years have witnessed a strong friendship between China and Djibouti. Under the guidance of President Xi Jinping’s thought, based on serving the greater human good, China will work with Djibouti to conduct pragmatic cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, implement the consensus reached at the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and forge ahead the bilateral strategic partnership.

The author is China’s ambassador to Djibouti. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

MA XUEJING / CHINA DAILY