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