The deputy secretary will meet with Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s foreign minister, to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the two countries’ relationship and to thank Djibouti for its partnership.

Carter will also hold a mission familiarization meeting with the new Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commander, Army Brig. Gen. Terry R. Ferrell, to discuss building partner capacity efforts in the region. Ferrell assumed command of CJTF-HOA at the end of March.

While here, Carter is also scheduled to tour Camp Lemonnier and visit with civilians and service members assigned to CJTF-HOA.

“We really appreciate [Djibouti’s] contributions to the African Union Mission in Somalia … the Djiboutians are on the frontlines and really committing to this regional mission,” said Alice Friend, principal director for African affairs, office of the secretary of defense.

Camp Lemonnier is a U.S. Navy expeditionary base, and the only enduring U.S. military base located in Sub-Saharan Africa. It supports operations geared toward building security, sovereignty, and stability in the region.

CJTF-HOA operations are centered on military-to-military engagements, civil-military operations, key leader engagements and providing enabling support to partner nations.