BEIGING, (HAN) – Somalia’s Minister of, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, met with China’s Minister of National Defense, Admiral Dong Jun, in Beijing on the sidelines of the Xiangshan Forum, marking the first ministerial-level defense talks between the two nations in almost four decades. The meeting signals a new chapter in strategic relations between Somalia and China.
Minister Fiqi highlighted Somalia’s security gains, noting that Somali forces have liberated significant territories from terrorist groups and helped stabilize key regions of the country.
For his part, Admiral Dong praised Somalia’s progress, describing it as “a step toward hope and stability” in rebuilding security and strengthening defense institutions.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation, focusing on regional stability, counterterrorism, support for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), and enhancing the capabilities of the Somali National Army, with the goal of ensuring lasting peace and security in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
