SUPPORT LETTER ON DP WORLD FROM PRESIDENT OF

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