Beijing and Djibouti call for stability in Red Sea and Horn of Africa

China and Djibouti have called for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, expressing concern over the recent escalation of tensions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

She was commenting on a joint press communique issued after talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdoulkader Houssein Omar.

The document focused on security in the Horn of Africa and the protection of shipping lanes across the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

According to Mao, both sides believe that the escalation of tensions in the Red Sea poses serious risks to the global economy, particularly economic activity in countries across the Horn of Africa.

The instability is also aggravating security threats including piracy and terrorism. China and Djibouti said they do not wish to see regional tensions spill over further into the Red Sea.

They called on relevant parties to observe the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, abide by the basic norms of international relations, and use dialogue and diplomatic means to avoid further escalation.

According to CCTV+, Beijing and Djibouti also stressed the importance of safeguarding shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.