Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, September 6, 2024. /Xinhua
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the elevation of China-Somalia relations to a strategic partnership on Friday. Mohamud is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Xi pointed out that Somalia was the first East African country to establish diplomatic relations with China, and the friendship between China and Somalia has stood the test of time. He said China is willing to work with Somalia to uphold the original intention of their diplomatic ties and achieve more new results in their bilateral relationship, bringing greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.
The Chinese president also emphasized that both China and Somalia shoulder the historical mission of achieving complete national reunification. China supports Somalia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as in its peace and development process, he said, and both sides should firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns.
Xi added that China is willing to continue supporting Somalia's economic and social development, explore the potential for cooperation and expand development opportunities. Taking the FOCAC summit as an opportunity, China will strengthen cooperation with Somalia in areas such as trade, fisheries and human resources training, the president said, and China will also continue providing funding for international peacekeeping operations in Somalia and support Somalia in enhancing its self-reliance in development, counter-terrorism and stability.
He congratulated Somalia on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and its formal membership in the East African Community, and expressed China's willingness to strengthen multilateral cooperation with Somalia to uphold international justice.
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, September 6, 2024. /Xinhua
Mohamud highly praised the major global initiatives proposed by Xi, the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and the important measures announced at the summit to jointly advance the modernization of China and Africa. He expressed confidence that under Xi's leadership, China will become a great modern socialist country in all respects, while also leading Africa and the world toward common development.
He thanked China for its valuable support in helping Somalia safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for assisting in its economic development, and expressed Somalia's firm adherence to the one-China principle.
During the summit, China and Somalia signed cooperation agreements in fields such as broadcasting and television.