Strong international relations promote effective cooperation and are key to building beneficial relationships. The United States (US) and the Republic of Djibouti have bilateral diplomatic relations; both take a very proactive stance against terrorism and are committed to achieving security and stability in the Horn of Africa (HOA). Djibouti has allowed the U.S. military and other nations access to its port and airport facilities. In exchange, the United States provides counterterrorism assistance, humanitarian support, and security to Djibouti. Many are familiar with the military aspect of this relationship, while the other aspects related to assistance are often overlooked. This is largely due to the fact that the United States focuses more on the military than on stability and aid. Camp Lemonnier, the US base located at Djibouti International Airport that serves as a staging point for US counterterrorism efforts in the HOA and the Arabian Peninsula, is generating attention and controversy (W hitlock, 2012). Other countries have taken advantage of the security provided by the United States in the region to gain economic control, political influence, and military power. Djibouti is a resource and a strategic partner; therefore, the United States must focus more on humanitarian aid to positively enhance both local and international views within its borders and the HOA in order to build stronger relationship foundations. Djibouti was not the center of attention or considered of strategic value to the United States. The United States in the 20th century. The US was engaged with other countries in the HOA and focused more on influencing and supporting Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan. However, in the late 1980s, the United States had poor relations with these countries due to unstable government leadership. At the end of the Cold War...... middle of the document ......e-of-secret-operazioni/2012/10/25/a26a9392-197a-11e2- bd10-5ff056538b7c_print.html Richards, C (2014 ). Could China and Japan work together in East Africa? The Diplomat. Retrieved May 24, 2014, from http://thediplomat.com/2014/03/could-china-and-japan-work-together-in-east-africa/ Hallinan, C. (2012). US Foreign Policy and Africa: The Next Four Years. Digest on international politics. Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www.internationalpolicydigest.org/2012/11/22/us-foreign-policy-and-africa-thenext-four-years/ Shinn, D. (2011). US Policy towards the Horn of Africa International Policy Digest. Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www.internationalpolicydigest.org/2011/10/13/us-policytowards-the-horn-of-africa/World Factbook. (n.d.). Central intelligence agency. Retrieved May 23, 2014, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/dj.html