Sound international relations promote effective cooperation and is key for building beneficial relationships. The United States (U.S.) and the Republic of Djibouti have a diplomatic bilateral relationship; both take a very proactive position against terrorism and are committed to achieving security and stability in the Horn of Africa (HOA). Djibouti has allowed the U.S. military and other nations access to its port and airport facilities. In return, the U.S. provides counterterrorism assistance
members would be made cabinet members. With his old age coming upon him, Hassan Aptidon would be succeeded by his nephew, Ismail Omar Guelleh in 1999. Ismail Guelleh received 75% of the votes from the election mainly because he was related to the previous president and also because he served as chief of staff, head of security and key advisor for many years. To this day, Guelleh still serves as the president of the Republic of