This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000318 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ECON EIND ETRD PGOV PREL DJ TC
SUBJECT: SUPPORT LETTER ON DP WORLD FROM PRESIDENT OF 
DJIBOUTI PORTS AND FREE ZONES 
 
 ¶1.  Ambassador received following letter on March 7 from 
Abdourahman Boreh, President of Djibouti Ports and Free Zones 
Authority.  Boreh is also a shareholder in DP World's Doraleh 
Port investment in Djibouti. 
 
¶2.  Begin text: 
 
March 2006 
 
Dear Sir: 
 
We are writing to express our concern about the criticism in 
the United States of DP World as a security threat.  DP World 
has been a close and valued business partner of Djibouti 
since 1999, investing substantially in the infrastructure of 
our country and contributing positively to the sustainable 
development of Djibouti. 
 
Djibouti Government initially awarded the company a contract 
for the management of the operation of the ports and 
subsequently awarded it another contract for the management 
of Djibouti airport and the development and management of a 
new deep water container terminal and free zone at a 
green-field site in Djibouti. 
 
So satisfied is the Government with the commercial and safety 
performance of the company that it extended the contract for 
the new port and free zone from the original 25 years from 
2000 to 30 years, plus options for another 20 years from 2006. 
 
The company's good relationship with the US and other UN 
nations has been of particular benefit to Djibouti.  This 
relationship would not exist without DP World's strong focus 
on security, and it is because of the excellent management of 
DP World over the years that Djibouti port is expected to be 
ISPS compliant within six weeks. 
 
The trust of the US in particular was demonstrated at the 
official opening of the DP World-built and managed Doraleh 
Oil Terminal where the US military has leased significant 
space.  There the US Ambassador to Djibouti spoke eloquently 
about the high regard the US has for DP World. 
 
These are sentiments we echo with reservation. 
 
It should be noted also that the US navy vessel USS Vicksburg 
was the venue for the reception that followed the official 
opening, which was also attended by two US Admirals. 
 
DP World has been and continues to be a good friend to 
Djibouti, and is helping to make Djibouti a model for Africa, 
showcasing what can be achieved through energy, vision and 
partnership.  We are proud to be associated with DP World. 
 
Yours sincerely, 
Abdourahman Boreh 
President, Djibouti Ports & Freezones Authority 
 
p.p.  The Government of Djibouti 
End text. 
RAGSDALE