Urban Diplomacy: Djibouti City Builds Ties with Yongzhou

Date de l'événement : 2025-06-16

Mandated by the Mayor of Djibouti City, Mr. Saïd Daoud Mohamed, a municipal delegation led by the Mayor’s Principal Advisor, Mr. Othman Hamad Mohamed, and Ms. Kifia Ali Ahmed left a significant mark at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, held from June 11 to 14 in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. This diplomatic mission was extended through a series of institutional and cultural meetings in the city of Yongzhou, marking a new milestone in Sino-Djiboutian cooperation. A Formal and Forward-Looking Sister City Agreement On the sidelines of this major Sino-African cooperation event, the sister city agreement between Djibouti City and Yongzhou was officially signed. This strategic bilateral commitment aims to strengthen economic, technical, and cultural exchanges between the two cities, with a particular focus on innovative urban projects, training, and logistics connectivity. “This partnership is part of a broader dynamic of city diplomacy. It reflects the Djibouti City Hall's ambition to build long-term bridges with strategic international partners,” stated Mr. Othman Hamad Mohamed following the signing. In Yongzhou, the Djiboutian delegation was invited to a series of strategic visits that showcased the city’s industrial expertise and rapid modernization. The delegation explored: Hunan University of Science and Technology, a prestigious academic institution and a hub of advanced training for Chinese youth; Yongzhou Inland Port, a major logistics platform within the Hunan inland corridor; Several local companies operating in consumer goods, high technology, and urban engineering sectors; The Shaoshan Museum, a highly symbolic site located in the birthplace of former Chinese President Mao Zedong; And finally, a night cruise on the Xian River, blending cultural discovery and diplomatic exchange in a friendly setting. Assertive Municipal Diplomacy Concluding this intense program, an official dinner was hosted in Changsha by the Mayor of Yongzhou and his deputy in honor of the Djiboutian delegation and as part of the closing ceremony of the city’s commercial pavilion. This formal occasion, marked by warmth and mutual respect, reaffirmed both cities' commitment—particularly in areas such as municipal training, sustainable urban management, and public service digitalization. At the end of the mission, the Mayor of Djibouti, Mr. Saïd Daoud Mohamed, praised “an exemplary initiative that reflects our determination to embed Djibouti City into major international cooperation networks.” He also emphasized that this partnership supports key capital development projects, especially under the ‘Djibouti Green City’ agenda, and represents a decisive step in the proactive diplomatic outreach of Djiboutian municipalities. Ultimately, this mission—combining political efficiency, economic engagement, and intercultural exchange—emerges as a model of decentralized diplomacy in service of sustainable urban development. Translated and Published : Nouria Omar Gaber