Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States plans to enhance military cooperation with Djibouti.

Officials said Djibouti and the United States agreed to bolster their strategic relationship in an effort to stabilize the Horn of Africa which has contended with the influx and migration of Islamist fighters.

The officials said the agreement was reached during the visit by Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh with President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

“Secretary Hagel reiterated the United States’ commitment and partnership for regional security in the Horn of Africa and efforts to prevent Al Qaida and Al Shabab from threatening stability and the free flow of commerce,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on May 7. “He also stressed the importance of the newly established bilateral forum to discuss mutual security issues.”

Officials said Guelleh agreed to an expanded U.S. military presence in Djibouti. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has been operating Djibouti’s Camp Lemonnier, the only American base in Africa.

Djibouti has granted the U.S. military a new 30-year lease at Camp
Lemonnier. Officials said Washington was also training and supporting
Djibouti’s military and security forces.

“The conversation ended with Secretary Hagel commending the courage of
Djiboutian forces in operations against terrorists and thanking President
Guelleh for hosting and helping ensure the safety of U.S. personnel in
Djibouti,” Kirby said.

  Camp Lemonnier, Chuck Hagel, Ismail Omar Guelleh, its only base in Africa, John Kirby, U.S. Africa Command strengthens ties with Djibouti as Al Qaida targets region