Leading light of cooperation

Mutual trust and support testify to the strength of China-Djibouti friendly ties

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Djibouti. The friendly cooperation forged between the two countries since then has set a model of mutual trust, reciprocal benefit and win-win progress with the times.

First, the two countries are closely linked by a common belief in taking their destiny into their own hands. China was one of the first countries to recognize Djibouti's independence. In 1981, just two years after the establishment of diplomatic ties, China began sending medical teams to Djibouti. The People's Palace, stadium, school, inland well drilling project, regional hospital, social security housing, and national library and archives are all monuments testifying to the strength of the 45-year friendship.

Since the establishment of their strategic partnership in 2017, the two countries have consolidated their strategic mutual trust and firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests. Increased people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries have strengthened the bonds of friendship. Confucius Institutes have sparked a passion for the Chinese language, the cultural essence of the two countries have enriched each other, and the cooperation between sister cities has made steady progress.

Second, the two countries are committed to seeking independent development paths suited to their own national conditions. Based on the high compatibility between Vision Djibouti 2035 and the Belt and Road Initiative, the two sides have jointly built flagship projects such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, Doraleh Multipurpose Port and Djibouti International Free Trade Zone, providing a strong boost to Djibouti's goal of being the "Red Sea lighthouse". The long-term cooperation between the two sides in a wide range of areas such as health, food security, safe water, school construction, social security housing, personnel training, job creation and a series of projects has greatly promoted the well-being of the local people. In recent years, the two sides have stepped up cooperation under the framework of the Global Development Initiative to promote sustainable and inclusive development.

Third, strengthening international solidarity and promoting peace and development are the two countries' common goals. Djibouti has always had an important position and influence in the Horn of Africa. China has put forward the Concept of Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa to support regional countries in resolving African issues in an African way and promoting peace and sustainable development in the region. Cooperation on the implementation of this vision opens up a new dimension of high-level cooperation between the two countries, from promoting bilateral cooperation to maintaining regional stability. In a turbulent and changing world full of destabilizing factors and uncertainties, as the largest developing country, China is well aware of its responsibilities. While striving for its own development and benefiting its own people, China is also committed to upholding world peace and promoting common development. In this regard, China has received valuable support from the vast number of developing countries, including Djibouti. In this sense, China, Djibouti and other developing countries that cherish national sovereignty and independence and pursue their own development in a more equitable and just international environment are important balancing forces for effectively responding to and restraining turbulence, instability and inequality in the world. China-Djibouti cooperation will undoubtedly make new contributions to regional and world peace.

As China and Djibouti commemorate their 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, a new era of collaboration and developmental opportunities emerges. At the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs in December, China systematically expounded its position and propositions on promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, including advocating an equal and orderly multi-polar world and economic globalization that benefits all. Chinese modernization will make new contributions to addressing global challenges.

Over the past year or so, the two heads of state have met on multiple occasions including the China-Arab States Summit, the BRICS Plus Dialogue and the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue, outlining a blueprint for further developing the strategic partnership between the two countries in the new era. The ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be held in China this year, when China and African countries including Djibouti will discuss the future development plan. China and Djibouti will hold a series of celebration activities, including closer high-level exchanges, promoting practical cooperation, and strengthening exchanges and cooperation between political parties, legislatures, sister cities and peoples. With the joint efforts of the two sides, China-Djibouti relations will open a new chapter, better benefit the two countries and their peoples, and make new contributions to peace and prosperity in the world and the region.

The author is Chinese ambassador to Djibouti. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.