U.S.-Djibouti to Establish Strategic, Defense Forum
By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service
ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, May 12, 2013 - Deputy Defense Secretary Ash
Carter and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti's minister of foreign affairs,
agreed to establish a bilateral strategic and defense forum today during a
meeting in Djibouti City, Djibouti.
"The forum will provide a formal and enduring structure for discussing and
coordinating issues of mutual concern between the two nations," according to
a statement issued by Pentagon Press Secretary George Little.
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen and enhance the close
military and civil partnership between the two countries and affirmed their
nations' commitment to the success of the African Union mission in Somalia
and countering the threat of violent extremism, Little said.
"The Department of Defense will continue to emphasize its strategic
relationship with Djibouti," he added.
Following the discussions, the deputy secretary briefly spoke with about 150
service members representing the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force
units assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa based at Camp
Lemonnier in Djibouti.
"We've done great things over the last 10 years," Carter said. But at the
same time, he added, the department recognizes that it is now turning a
strategic corner. Instead of being defined by the response to the events of
9/11, he said, the nation has moved forward to face the challenges and
opportunities that lie ahead.
Africa holds great opportunity, Carter said. In addition to fighting
extremism and protecting maritime security, CJTF-HOA personnel are planting
seeds for the long-term future of Africa, the deputy secretary said.
Camp Lemonnier serves as a hub for activities throughout the Horn of Africa,
Carter said.
"You are central to our strategy," Carter told the troops.
Camp Lemonnier sets the standard for joint operations, said Air Force Lt.
Col. Elizabeth Ortiz, CJTF-HOA public affairs director.
A U.S. Navy expeditionary base and the only enduring U.S. military base
located in sub-Saharan Africa, Camp Lemmonier serves a vital role in U.S.
and international security, Ortiz said.
In addition to hosting and supporting CJTF-HOA, the camp supports
counterterrorism efforts and operations geared toward building security,
sovereignty, and stability in the region, she said.
CJTF-HOA operations are centered on military-to-military engagements,
civil-military operations, key leader engagements and providing enabling
support to partner nations.
<
http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2013-05/scr_130511-D-NI58
9-075b.jpg>
Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter, right, greets Mahamoud Ali Youssouf,
Djibouti foreign minister, as he arrives for a meeting at the Djibouti
Foreign Ministry, May 11, 2013. Carter met with Youssouf to demonstrate U.S.
commitment to the two countries' relationship and to thank Djibouti for its
partnership. DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);
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http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2013-05/hrs_130511-D-NI58
9-075b.jpg> high-resolution image available.
Received on Sun May 12 2013 - 18:20:22 EDT
