CHANGSHA, CHINA – June 13, 2025 – The Foreign Ministers of Somalia and China held a significant high-level meeting in Changsha, Hunan Province, today, on the sidelines of the 4th China-Africa Trade and Economic Exhibition and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Coordinators’ Ministerial Conference. This pivotal engagement reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship and commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation between the two nations, arriving as they celebrate the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Somalia holds the distinction of being the first East African nation to establish formal ties with the People’s Republic of China in 1960.
During the extensive discussions, both sides reiterated their mutual respect and shared vision for a robust bilateral partnership. Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalaan Abdi Ali (Dhaay) conveyed profound gratitude for China’s steadfast support, particularly acknowledging the invaluable assistance provided to Somalia during its challenging periods. Minister Dhaay articulated Somalia’s keen interest in expanding the scope of their cooperation, highlighting key areas of focus. These include a strong emphasis on enhancing trade cooperation, actively marketing Somali products to the vast Chinese market, developing crucial economic infrastructure within Somalia, and investing substantially in human capacity building and digital services, essential for Somalia’s ongoing reconstruction and modernization.
In response, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warmly commended Somalia’s consistent support for China’s re-engagement with the international community decades ago. Minister Wang reaffirmed China’s unwavering commitment to its long-standing relationship with Somalia, pledging full cooperation in the effective implementation of FOCAC projects. He stressed China’s focus on achieving tangible outcomes from these initiatives, emphasizing that the goal is to directly improve the lives and livelihoods of the Somali people. This commitment highlights China’s dedication to delivering practical benefits through its partnerships.
The meeting served as a powerful platform for both diplomatic chiefs to express a shared aspiration for a future of deepened collaboration. The discussions reflected a mutual understanding of each other’s national interests and a collective will to work together on regional and international issues. The enduring friendship, cultivated over more than six decades, continues to evolve, adapting to contemporary global challenges and opportunities.
This high-level diplomatic encounter in Changsha represents a crucial step in cementing the strategic alliance between Somalia and China. Such engagements are vital for translating diplomatic goodwill into concrete projects that contribute to Somalia’s economic recovery, social development, and its reintegration into the global economic framework, all within the comprehensive ambit of China-Africa cooperation.
