Beijing, September 5, 2024 –The President of Somalia delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the importance of peace, security, and development at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The summit, held in Beijing, brought together leaders from across Africa and China to discuss and strengthen their collaborative efforts.
Introduction and Gratitude
The President began by expressing his honor and privilege to be in Beijing, thanking the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality. He congratulated China on successfully organizing the summit, which focused on the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.”
Strengthening China-Africa Relations
Highlighting the historical cooperation between China and Africa, the President emphasized the importance of strengthening Somali-China relations. He praised the principles of sincerity, real results, friendship, and good faith that underpin their partnership. The President stressed that these principles are essential for achieving win-win sustainable development and prosperity for both sides.
Security and Peacebuilding Efforts
The President underscored the critical need for lasting peace and universal security as foundations for modernization. He detailed Somalia’s ongoing efforts to combat international terrorism, particularly against Al-Shabaab. The Somali National Army, with support from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has made significant strides in liberating towns and villages from terrorist control.
He acknowledged the contributions of African troop and police-contributing countries to ATMIS, highlighting the collective efforts that have brought stability not only to Somalia but also to the Horn of Africa and beyond. The President noted the successes in capturing or eliminating senior terrorist leaders and the ongoing process of de-radicalizing former fighters.
Holistic Approach to Peacebuilding
The President emphasized that building a shared future of lasting peace requires more than military efforts. He called for investments in community cohesion, citizen engagement, education, health, infrastructure, and job creation, especially in newly liberated areas. He stressed that security is interconnected and that addressing uneven development and opportunities globally is crucial for achieving lasting peace.
FOCAC and Development Priorities
Through the FOCAC process, the President expressed hope that Africa-China relations would focus on building and maintaining peace as a development priority. He called for proactive cooperation and policies to achieve common objectives, emphasizing the need for mutual respect, common purpose, and joint endeavor.
Commitment to the One China Policy
Reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to the One China Policy, the President expressed gratitude to China for its unwavering support of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He highlighted the importance of this policy in maintaining peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, the African continent, and the wider world.
UN Security Council Membership
Looking ahead, the President announced Somalia’s upcoming role as a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council starting in January 2025. He expressed Somalia’s commitment to cooperating with all Permanent Security Council members, including China, to advance global peace and security.
Conclusion
In his concluding remarks, the President emphasized that instability anywhere poses a danger everywhere. He called on the international community to jointly address the challenges of terrorism and insecurity. He reiterated that universal peace and security are urgent global public goods that can transform lives worldwide.
The President’s speech at the FOCAC Summit highlighted Somalia’s dedication to peace, security, and development, and underscored the importance of international cooperation in achieving these goals. His address resonated with the summit’s theme and reinforced the strong ties between China and Africa.
