Changsha, SONNA – Somalia underscored its commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with China during the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held Wednesday in Changsha, Hunan Province. Representing the Federal Government of Somalia, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Mr. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, called for a shift towards deeper, more impact-driven cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for African nations and their people.
Speaking at the high-level gathering, Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali reaffirmed Somalia’s support for a principled and enduring partnership with China—one built on mutual respect, shared development goals, and a commitment to real-world outcomes. He welcomed the latest initiatives announced by President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, applauding their alignment with Africa’s development priorities and China’s longstanding support for the continent.
“In the 25 years since FOCAC was launched, Africa has undergone meaningful transformation—from modern roads and ports to digital innovation and human development. This is a partnership that speaks through results, not rhetoric,” the Minister said in his remarks.
Highlighting Somalia’s national priorities, Minister Abdisalam outlined key areas for collaboration, including human capital development, investment in digital governance, infrastructure building, and value-added trade. He emphasized that Somalia’s vision for cooperation is centered on producing measurable improvements in the lives of its citizens.
“Somalia seeks a future where partnership translates into real opportunities for our people—where we build, produce, educate, and connect. That is the kind of cooperation we stand for,” he added.
The Changsha meeting comes at a pivotal time for Somalia, as the country actively repositions itself in regional and global forums. With a renewed focus on delivery and inclusive growth, Somalia is advocating for a FOCAC agenda that not only supports national recovery but also drives long-term, sustainable impact across Africa.
As FOCAC looks ahead to its next phase, Somalia expressed its readiness to contribute meaningfully to the evolving China-Africa cooperation framework, emphasizing the importance of practical implementation and shared prosperity.
