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France vows continued military, development support to Djibouti

PARIS, Feb 28 (KUNA) -- French President Francois Hollande met here Tuesday with his counterpart from Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh to discuss bilateral and regional issues and Hollande vowed to maintain military and development programmes in the Gulf of Aden State which is a member of the Arab League.
"The two presidents broached the challenges to peace and security in the Horn of Africa," a statement said. Notably the crisis in Yemen and the challenge of Islamist extremist group Al-Shebab in Somalia were discussed.
France is helping train the armed forces of Djibouti who in turn are taking part in the battle against terrorism and Al-Shebab in neighbouring Somalia.
President Hollande "welcomed the commitment of these (Djiboutian) forces in the fight against the terrorist Al-Shebab group in Somalia," the Elysee Palace said.
The French leader also reassured President Guelleh of France's and the European Union's ongoing "significant" support for a number of development projects and training for Djiboutian youth. (end) jk.mt