This morning, the Chairman received at Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ) a delegation from the European Peace Facility (Facilité Européenne pour la Paix – FEP). The delegation was led by Mr. Krystian Spodaryk, Head of the Political, Press, and Information Section, and Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Djibouti, accompanied by Ms. Natalia Raz, Deputy Head of Division PCM.4, and Mr. Cyril Brethes, Military Advisor, PCM.4.
The meeting addressed several important topics, with the first being a potential partnership focused on environmental protection. In light of the current crisis in the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb, Aboubaker Omar Hadi, underscored the need to tackle water pollution, particularly oil spills. He emphasized the immediate risk these spills pose to marine ecosystems and stressed the urgency of protecting local biodiversity, including both marine fauna and flora. Coordinated efforts are essential to mitigate long-term environmental damage and safeguard the region’s coastline.
Another key area of discussion was the role of DPFZA in providing marine services that ensure the free navigation of vessels and the flow of international trade through the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb. The delegation learnt about DPFZA’s strategic initiatives aimed at maintaining safety and efficiency in maritime operations, which are vital to both regional security and global commerce.
A third area of collaboration focused on the development of vessel waste reception facilities at Djibouti’s ports. This initiative will enhance the sustainability of maritime operations and ensure compliance with international environmental standards, further supporting the protection of the marine environment.
Other topics the Chairman discussed during the meeting were projects presented to the European Union Commission during his official visit to Belgium last May
These projects included Capacity Building for Security and Safety, Goods Management, and Green Energy Projects.
There are 10 European SME’s which are currently operating within Djibouti’s Free Zones, including France, Italy, the Netherlands, Malta, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Germany, the UK, and Sweden
