Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti
BY ALEXANDER WOODMAN
Assigned as the Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, has served as the head of the mission since 2002. His distinguished service to his nation has also earned him the title of Dean of the Diplomatic Corps to Saudi Arabia. The government of Djibouti, led by President Ismail Omar Guelleh, paid tribute to his exceptional work and the excellent state of Saudi-Djibouti bilateral relations. In 2017, the Ambassador was presented the Djibouti National Independence Medal of the First-Class degree of a commander.
1977 was named the year for the National Independence of the Republic of Djibouti. Can you share your feelings about Djibouti becoming independent? The feelings of having control of our own country are difficult to describe. We are now an independent nation, which allows our citizens to be involved in the decision-making process of how we shape our society. It is beyond description, but we treasure this freedom every day. We are incredibly honored and happy with our independence and everything that our government has achieved during this period. We look forward to more progress in the future.
Saudi Arabia was among the first countries to establish bilateral relations with Djibouti. What are the primary models of diplomacy that Djibouti has learned from Saudi Arabia during the past few years? Saudi Arabia has supported Djibouti before, during, and after its move for independence. The influence of Saudi Arabia in such areas as economic growth, cultural development, and sensitive diplomatic issues was a crucial part of our development. This relationship has endured for more than 40 years and will remain intact for many more.
In the past four or five years, KSA has become a more strategic partner in helping to find solutions for different issues. The bilateral alliance is vital for both Djibouti and KSA. Many challenges we face in the region require more coordinated collaboration between the two nations. I think that the visions of the leaders in both countries, particularly King Salman, the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and His Excellency President Ismail Omar Guelleh have offered promising strategic solutions. We look forward to many more years of fruitful partnership.
Your Excellency, can you discuss the current state of bilateral relations between Djibouti and Saudi Arabia?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has helped Djibouti for many years and continues to support our efforts at independence and financial security. The political systems work together within different regional and international regions to ensure global cooperation. This work has secured our success at bi-literalism through the creation of a joint government committee, military committee, AND security committee along with a business council which has joined both nations. Currently, we are working to further develop our economic relationship.
Since 2002, you have served as Ambassador of a strong nation. Today, you are the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. What are the personal motivations that compel you to continue to serve your country and its people? As you know, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the most essential countries not only in the region but in the entire world. It is also clear that the capital of the Kingdom has had far-reaching effects in the global hemisphere and the job of an Ambassador is not an easy one. Thankfully, the leadership and progress in my country are moving forward, and the citizens seem to be satisfied with the work that I do. My work is a political decision; it is not in my hands to decide whether I should remain in office or not. However, I do hope I can continue to serve my country. You were honored with your country’s National Independence Medal of the First-Class degree of a commander. What was the most difficult challenge you faced on your pathway to this honor?
I was honored by the president of the Republic of Djibouti H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh to the National Independence Medal of the First-Class degree of a commander. This decision of the president gave me more responsibility to continue serving my country in a good way. I pray to God to help me do my best in this position every day. I am so happy and honored to receive this high praise.
Djibouti Vision 2035 had five strong pillars: peace and unity, good governance, diversified economy, investing in human capital, and regional integration. Can you discuss each pillar and your thoughts on the core values of Vision 2035? As previously mentioned, the strategic position of Djibouti located at the entrance to Bab el-Mandeb, the southern gate to the Red Sea, is of critical importance. The Red Sea is an essential channel since it is located in the middle of the world. It connects Asia and Africa and has two gateways: the Suez Canal from the North and Bab el-Mandeb from the South. We have five new ports in Djibouti. Each works for many global locations since we only have a population of one million people. It also operates for Ethiopia, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development – Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda (IGAD), and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). That is nineteen countries, with a population of 450 million, that benefit from the Red Sea. With responsibility for so many areas, we have the challenge to continue to develop our economy and have a clear vision for the future.
We have completed work on a new railway to Ethiopia, and we have many new ports in our area. We want to construct two new airports in the cities of Djibouti and Obock since we are considering Djibouti becoming a top tourist destination.
As far as 2035, we feel we have a productive and robust vision. I hope that we can arrive there with exceptional decisions and realistic planning for the future of Djibouti. We want to continue to collaborate more often with our brothers from Saudi Arabia to assure a secure future for both of our countries.
What motivates you to be an ambassador now?
An ambassador is responsible for all of these issues along with the creation of connections between his country and others. I have carefully followed the changes that have taken place inside my country and in the region. I am delighted to have this opportunity to work for the betterment of our land. I will continue to work hard to expand my horizons and to serve my country faithfully.
When were you appointed to the position in Saudi Arabia? How many years have you been in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?
I was appointed as the Ambassador of Djibouti to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2002 and have served in this position for the past seventeen years.
Can you share your feelings on what has been the most challenging part of being the Dean? What has been the most rewarding?
The job of coordination between the country, the ambassador, and the Dean is essential. They must be in contact often and have a strong sense of coordination to resolve any issues that arise. Most importantly, although it is the most experienced person who becomes the Dean, that person must be very active and available all of the time. Each day the Dean meets with two or three Ambassadors. It is expected that he will help them find solutions for their problems and present to them the advice of the team. Although it is a time-consuming position, it is one that I find most rewarding.
On a personal level, what is it about Riyadh that makes it a special place for you? The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a vast country with a very diverse culture. With all of its diverse regions, it could almost be called a continent. During my time here, I have learned a great deal about this country. However, I cannot differentiate between any of the regions because each of them has a unique flavor. In general, our culture in Djibouti is not too different from the culture here. Still, the Kingdom is the heart of this region, and it is a humbling experience to be here.
What is your favorite place to visit in Riyadh?
Today, Riyadh is very different from what it was like five years ago. In and around Riyadh there are many beautiful places to visit. I particularly enjoyed being in the desert, in an open area. I also enjoyed my visit to the surroundings of the Diplomatic Quarter, especially Al-Bujairi. Our new Embassy will be located right in front of the Wadi Hanifah, which is an extraordinary place. I am looking forward to our move there in the next few months.
Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti
Malik Abdul Azeez road, Al Barud,
Riyadh 12434
Tel: +966 11 454 3182
Email: djibouti_riyad@hotmail.com
Twitter: @dya_bamakhrama
