MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Djibouti welcomes the construction of a Saudi military base on its territory, since the facility will contribute to the military cooperation between the two states, Djibouti's Defense Minister Ali Bahdon said Tuesday.
"The sides have signed a military agreement… If the base is constructed, it will become a part of the military cooperation between the two nations, and we welcome its creation," Bahdon said in an interview with the Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.
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In March 2016, Djibouti's ambassador to Riyadh said that his country expected to sign of a deal with Saudi Arabia on the construction of a military base in the African nation.
Djibouti’s defense minister, Ali Bahdon, welcomed the presence of a Saudi military base in his country, pointing out that the relationship with Riyadh exceeded military cooperation, to reach historical, ideological and cultural ties.#Djibouti pic.twitter.com/HBExl34Nms
— Kidar Saleh (@23Kidar) 28 ноября 2017 г.
The official added that creation of the Saudi military base would positively contribute to the fight against smuggling, human trafficking and terrorism in the region.
According to the minister, the developments in the region stress the need to create a "military Islamic alliance" in order to facilitate coordination between member states to ensure the implementation of their strategic interests.
