Carter Meets at Pentagon With Senior Leaders From Djibouti

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2015 – Defense Secretary Ash Carter discussed regional security interests and bilateral issues with senior leaders from the African nation of Djibouti during a 30-minute meeting at the Pentagon yesterday, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said last night.

The secretary met with Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali Youssouf, Defense Minister Hassan Darar Houffaneh and other senior Djiboutian officials, Kirby said in a statement.

Topics the leaders discussed included this week's inaugural binational forum, counterterrorism and maritime operations, support for Camp Lemonnier, and the initiation of a partnership between Djibouti and the Kentucky National Guard via the State Partnership Program.

Shared Commitment to Fighting Terrorism

Camp Lemonnier is home to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, a U.S. military headquarters that works with partner nations, coalition forces, and interagency and governmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in countering violent extremist groups in East Africa.

“Secretary Carter highlighted U.S. and Djiboutian shared commitment to fighting terrorism throughout the Horn of Africa that has made East Africa and America safer,” Kirby said. “He lauded Djibouti's decision to deploy additional forces to Somalia, emphasizing the importance of continued bilateral and regional cooperation in operations to defeat al-Shabab.”