DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti — President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has held high-level talks with Italian Minister for Universities and Research Anna Maria Bernini, highlighting continued diplomatic engagement between Djibouti and Italy.

Bernini visited Djibouti on August 2, 2026, where she met Guelleh at the Presidential Palace. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and maintaining political and sectoral dialogue between the two countries.

The meeting comes as Djibouti continues to expand its international partnerships following Guelleh's reelection to a sixth presidential term in April 2026. Official election results gave him 97.81% of the vote.

Italy is among Djibouti's European partners, while Djibouti's strategic position in the Horn of Africa gives its diplomatic relationships added regional importance.

The latest talks underline Djibouti's continued effort to strengthen international partnerships and broaden cooperation with European countries.

The engagement could lead to further collaboration in education, research and other areas of bilateral relations.