Somalia, China discuss expanded defense and security cooperation

Beijing (HOL) — Somali Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met Friday with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, in Beijing to discuss strengthening relations and expanding cooperation in defense and security.

The meeting focused on deepening the strategic partnership between Somalia and China, with both sides emphasizing respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

advertisements Fiqi briefed Dong on Somalia’s progress in security and stabilization, as well as ongoing efforts to rebuild the Somali Armed Forces.

“The Federal Government’s priority is to build a national military that is well-trained, well-equipped, and capable of defending the country and assuming responsibility for national security,” Fiqi said during the meeting.

Dong welcomed Somalia’s progress in security, state-building and the development of its armed forces.

The two sides agreed to accelerate the implementation of previously reached understandings and expand defense and security cooperation.

The two ministers emphasized that the goal is to translate the relationship between Somalia and China into concrete actions that contribute to peace and stability in Somalia and the wider region.