Friday September 6, 2024
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (left) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) during a meeting at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and officially announced the elevation of China-Somalia relations to a strategic partnership.
Beijing, CHINA (HOL) — China and Somalia have elevated their diplomatic relationship to a strategic partnership during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing. The announcement was made after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The new partnership will enhance trade, fisheries, infrastructure, and security cooperation, with both nations committing to closer collaboration.
Chinese President Xi emphasized the importance of this relationship, highlighting the historical ties between the two countries. "China and Somalia enjoy a longstanding tradition of friendly exchanges. Six hundred years ago, Chinese navigator of the Ming Dynasty Zheng He once led his fleet to arrive in Somalia, taking tea, porcelain, and medical and agricultural knowledge there." He stated that the new partnership reflects the strength and resilience of their longstanding friendship. "Our ties have withstood the test of time and hardship, and this partnership will pave the way for new opportunities and mutual growth," Xi said.
Somali President Mohamud expressed gratitude for China's continued support, particularly in areas of economic development and national security. Mohamud noted Somalia's interest in expanding practical cooperation with China and implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC summit to benefit both nations. "We see China as a trusted partner, and we look forward to deepening our cooperation," Mohamud said.
At the summit, the two sides signed several cooperation agreements, including media, education, and capacity-building initiatives. Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to assisting Somalia to maintain national stability, counter-terrorism operations, and economic self-reliance.
The strategic partnership announcement follows a series of meetings during the three-day summit. Chinese officials, including Cai Qi of the Communist Party of China, reiterated China's willingness to strengthen ties with Somalia. Cai emphasized that the new partnership would focus on the evolving needs of both countries, driving future economic growth and development.