Mogadishu (SONNA): The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, welcomed the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Fei Shengchao, at the Presidential palace today.
The two leaders discussed the bilateral relations between Somalia and China, as well as the regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Ambassador Fei expressed China’s support for Somalia’s independence, unity and territorial integrity, and praised the progress made by the Somali government in the political, security and economic fields.
President Mohamud thanked China for its consistent and valuable assistance to Somalia, and stressed the importance of adhering to the international laws and norms.
The meeting came amid the escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, following the latter’s controversial agreement with Somaliland on 1 January 2024. The agreement would allow Ethiopia to lease a 20-kilometer stretch of Somaliland’s coastline for its naval base, in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. The agreement has sparked protests across Somalia and Somaliland, with some citizens fearing that it would compromise their sovereignty. China has recently voiced its solidarity with Somalia and urged Ethiopia to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
