MOGADISHU, SONNA– The Chinese Embassy in Somalia celebrated a record number of Somali students who have been awarded scholarships to study in China. In a reception held in Mogadishu, nearly 70 students were honored as the latest recipients of the prestigious China Scholarship Council (CSC) and MOFCOM programs. This year marks the highest number of Somali students ever selected.
The event drew senior Somali officials, including Said Jama Mire, Director of the Asia and Australia Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Tawakal), Director of Higher Education.
Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Wang Yu, warmly congratulated the students, emphasizing how their journey would forge a stronger bond between the two nations.
“Your experiences in China will become not only unforgettable personal memories but also invaluable assets for Somalia,” Ambassador Fei remarked. “The knowledge and skills you acquire will empower you to contribute meaningfully to Somalia’s development.” He noted that these educational exchanges are a cornerstone of the 65-year-long friendship between China and Somalia.
Echoing this sentiment, Said Jama Mire encouraged the students to make the most of this life-changing opportunity. Drawing parallels between the histories of both countries, he said, “Somalia and China have both gone through difficult times, yet China thrived. You too must take this opportunity to learn, develop yourselves, and return to help rebuild Somalia.”
The Director of Higher Education, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Tawakal), praised the students for their hard work, highlighting that many were top performers in the national examinations. “This is not just an opportunity for personal growth,” he stressed, “but a responsibility to contribute to Somalia’s national progress.”
The ceremony was a clear signal of China’s ongoing commitment to investing in Somalia’s future through education, reinforcing it as a vital bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.
