In May, last year, US President Obama and Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, met at the White House in Washington DC and pledged to work closely together towards their shared vision for a secure, stable and prosperous Horn of Africa, in order to strengthen and deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The presidents also discussed ways that the US presence at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti can help further expand the opportunity for local Djiboutians. The US Congress proposed the ‘Djibouti First’ legislation that would give preference to Djiboutian products and services in the Department of Defense procurements.

In doing so, the United States seeks to promote stability and economic development which will benefit both countries and to demonstrate the long term commitment to Djibouti’s long term economic growth.

Following the meeting in 2014, a follow-up meeting was scheduled recently with the Chamber of Commerce, where Djiboutian companies attended to learn more about the US Camp Lemonnier. David Hanse, Yasmine Ahmed and Magali Capulli from BMMI Djibouti attended the event and were able to learn more about the opportunities and how BMMI Djibouti can cooperate with the US Navy Base in Djibouti. The event was a success and highlighted several opportunities for BMMI Djibouti to support the US army.

HOA CCO, GSA, NAVFAC-PWC were present at the meeting, as well as officials such as Djibouti Minister of Commerce, General Andy Busch and Ambassador Tom Kelly.