DJIBOUTI (KAAB TV) – Djibouti’s dictator President Ismail Omar Guelleh extended warm congratulations to Ethiopia as the country celebrated the start of its New Year 2017 on September 11, following the Ethiopian calendar.
“Warmest congratulations to Ethiopia on the new year 2017 in the Ethiopian calendar! Wishing prosperity and growth. May our nations’ bond strengthen in cooperation and solidarity,” Guelleh posted on his official X account.
Unlike neighboring Somalia, Djibouti enjoys friendly ties with Ethiopia, with Addis Ababa being the largest user of Djibouti’s port as its primary outlet for imports and exports.
Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which is nearly eight years behind the globally used Gregorian calendar.
The Ethiopian year consists of 13 months, with New Year’s celebrations, known as Enkutatash, marking the end of the rainy season and the blooming of flowers.
The first day of the year is a public holiday, celebrated across the country.