Somalia, China Discuss Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation

Beijing, (SONNA) — The Minister of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Moallin Fiqi, held a high-level meeting with China’s Minister of Defence, Admiral Dong Jun, in Beijing on Thursday.

The meeting, held in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, focused on strengthening the historic relations between Somalia and China and expanding cooperation in defence and security. The two sides stressed the importance of cooperation based on mutual respect and the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while addressing Somalia’s security needs and developments in the region and beyond.

H.E. Ahmed Moallin Fiqi briefed his Chinese counterpart on Somalia’s progress in security and stability, achievements in the fight against terrorist groups and efforts to rebuild the Somali National Army. He said the Federal Government’s priority is to build a trained, equipped and capable national army able to defend the country and assume responsibility for national security.

Admiral Dong Jun commended Somalia’s progress in security, state-building and strengthening its national army. H.E. Ahmed Moallin Fiqi, in turn, thanked the Chinese Government for its longstanding and effective support and continued solidarity with Somalia.

The two ministers agreed to accelerate the implementation of existing understandings and further expand defence and security cooperation, with the aim of translating the strategic relationship between the two countries into practical measures that contribute to peace and stability in Somalia and the wider region.