Mogadishu, Somalia – The recent historic meeting between the Ministers of Defense of Somalia and China marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Held on the sidelines of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, the dialogue between Minister Ahmed Moallin Fiqi and his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, was the first of its kind in nearly 40 years. It presents a new opportunity for cooperation on critical issues, most notably national security and counter-terrorism.
The Somali delegation’s participation at the forum and the high-level bilateral meeting was a key part of the government’s foreign policy agenda, with a central role played by the Somali Ambassador to China, Hodan Osman. Her presence and engagement at the event reflect Somalia’s commitment to building strong diplomatic ties and fostering international cooperation.
Somalia faces persistent security challenges, primarily from extremist groups like Al-Shabaab, which continue to pose a significant threat to national stability. These challenges include armed conflict, extortion, and frequent attacks on government forces and civilians. Somalia’s government has been actively engaged in efforts to counter these threats and restore stability across the country.
This partnership with China could offer a new dimension to Somalia’s national security strategy. China’s approach to combating terrorism has evolved over the past decades. Its counter-terrorism efforts rely on a combination of a robust legal framework, increased law enforcement, and economic development to address the root causes of extremism. China has also become more active in the international counter-terrorism space through multilateral organizations and by providing training and equipment to countries facing similar threats.
The meeting between Minister Fiqi and Admiral Dong Jun laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in key areas, including regional stability, counter-terrorism, and support for the African Union Mission in Somalia. The dialogue between the two nations suggests Somalia can learn from and draw upon China’s experience in developing a holistic approach to security. The collaboration could move beyond traditional military aid to include training, intelligence sharing, and support for economic development in regions most affected by insecurity. The meeting represents a major step toward a comprehensive partnership that can contribute to Somalia’s long-term security and nation-building efforts.
