Somalia Opens National Diaspora Centre with Chinese Support

MOGADISHU(SONNA)-Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre on Monday inaugurated the Somalia Diaspora Centre, a facility built with support from the People's Republic of China to strengthen engagement between the Federal Government and Somali communities abroad and advance the implementation of the National Diaspora Policy.

The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was attended by Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

Prime Minister Hamza described the Somali diaspora as one of the country's greatest national assets, praising its contributions to economic development and its role in preserving Somalia's culture, language and identity worldwide. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding cooperation with Somali communities overseas.

Foreign Minister Abdisalam said the new centre would help build stronger trust and engagement between the government and the diaspora, while serving as a platform to support their participation in Somalia's reconstruction and development.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ambassador Wang said the centre marked another milestone in the growing strategic partnership between China and Somalia. He reaffirmed Beijing's continued support for Somalia through infrastructure projects, humanitarian assistance, scholarships and expanded trade, noting that China is implementing a zero-tariff policy for Somali exports and expects to sign a new bilateral trade protocol with Mogadishu soon.

The Somali government expressed appreciation to China for financing the project, describing the Diaspora Centre as an important institution for strengthening ties with millions of Somalis living abroad and mobilizing their contribution to the country's long-term development.