DJIBOUTI / ANKARA – DEHUKAM, Turkey's most competent institution in the field of maritime law, has signed a historic protocol to strengthen academic and scientific cooperation with Djibouti, the strategic gateway of the Horn of Africa. The signing ceremony, which took place on February 5, 2026, is regarded as a significant step that will influence regional balances in the maritime sector.

Details and Scope of the Protocol

The protocol, signed during the '1st Africa-Turkey Transport Connectivity Workshop' held in Djibouti, envisions a comprehensive partnership in the fields of maritime law and maritime policies between the two countries.

Academic Cooperation: Joint research projects will be conducted between DEHUKAM and the Institute of Diplomatic Studies of the Djibouti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Expert Exchange: Exchange programs for maritime law experts and academics will be initiated between the two countries.

Diplomatic Training: The protocol has been expanded to include not only legal processes but also maritime diplomacy training.

Officials from DEHUKAM and Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, who spoke at the ceremony, emphasized that this signed document would not remain just on paper, but aims to establish a sustainable cooperation mechanism.

Important Note: Djibouti, with its location on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is positioned at a critical junction for global maritime trade. This cooperation is of critical importance for Turkey to provide a scientific basis for its maritime geopolitics and 'Blue Economy' strategies in the region.

Within the framework of the protocol, a special Maritime Law Training Program for Djiboutian diplomats is planned to be organized in Ankara in 2026, along with the publication of a joint regional report.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye

Established

Turkey and Djibouti Forge Maritime Law Partnership