By Abdirizak Ahmed

In a distinguished demonstration of diplomacy and international engagement, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Siad Doualeh, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Djibouti to the United Nations and Ambassador to the United States, concluded a high-impact visit to the State of Ohio, marked by strategic dialogue, educational outreach, and cultural exchange.

Ambassador Doualeh was formally received at the Ohio State Capitol, where he was honored during a legislative session that welcomed his presence with great respect and enthusiasm. State lawmakers underscored Djibouti’s pivotal geopolitical role and expressed a strong desire to cultivate robust bilateral relations between Ohio and the East African nation.

As part of his itinerary, the Ambassador was warmly welcomed at Westerville City Schools, where he engaged with students and faculty at Westerville North High School. Student leaders conducted a guided tour of the campus, highlighting the school’s academic rigor and extracurricular distinction.

Following the tour, Ambassador Doualeh participated in an engaging question-and-answer forum alongside Westerville School Board Vice President Anisa Liban, Deputy Superintendent Scott Dorne, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Scott Reeves, and Principal Kurt Yancey.

The discussion focused on the transformative power of education, the nuances of global diplomacy, and the importance of youth leadership in fostering intercultural understanding, leaving a profound impression on all in attendance.

On the economic front, Ambassador Doualeh convened with key stakeholders from the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Export and International Trade, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio African Chamber of Commerce, and the Ohio New African Immigrants Commission.

These high-level discussions focused on building durable trade and investment frameworks, aligned with Djibouti’s national development priorities and Ohio’s expanding international economic agenda.

In the evening, the Ambassador joined senior leadership from the City of Columbus for an iftar dinner during the holy month of Ramadan. Attended by City Council members, interfaith leaders, and community advocates, the evening was a celebration of unity, mutual respect, and cultural diplomacy—further solidifying Ohio’s role as a dynamic partner in international cooperation.

This landmark visit builds upon Ambassador Doualeh’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives to advance the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who has strategically positioned Djibouti as East Africa’s premier gateway for international commerce and investment. Situated at the crossroads of major maritime corridors—where over 15% of global shipping traffic transits—Djibouti is rapidly emerging as the “Singapore of Africa.”

Ambassador Doualeh previously articulated this vision during a visit to Minnesota on October 26, 2024, engaging with business and political leaders under the auspices of the Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies (MNIHAS). The Ohio leg of his U.S. engagement underscores Djibouti’s sustained commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation across sectors such as education, logistics, infrastructure, and renewable energy.

Looking ahead, Djibouti will host a U.S.–Djibouti Trade and Investment Mission at the end of May 2025, convening political and business leaders from Ohio, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C. to explore concrete opportunities for collaboration and investment on Djiboutian soil.

Ambassador Doualeh’s successful outreach in Ohio affirms Djibouti’s expanding role as a strategic partner and emerging hub for American states seeking deeper engagement with Africa.

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