Somalia, China discuss strengthening defence and security ties

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallin Fiqi held high-level talks with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in defence and security, Somalia’s government said.

The meeting focused on the longstanding relationship between Somalia and China, with both sides discussing ways to deepen defence and security cooperation amid evolving security conditions in Somalia and wider regional and international developments.

The two ministers stressed the importance of basing bilateral cooperation on mutual respect, sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to the Somali government.

Fiqi briefed Dong on Somalia’s progress in security and stabilisation, including its campaign against militant groups and efforts to rebuild the Somali National Army. He said strengthening a trained and equipped national military capable of defending the country and taking full responsibility for national security remained a priority for the Somali government.

Dong praised what he described as Somalia’s progress in security, state-building and development of its armed forces, and underscored the importance of further strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation. Fiqi, meanwhile, thanked China for its longstanding support and continued backing for Somalia.

The ministers also agreed to accelerate the implementation of existing agreements and expand cooperation in defence and security. The two sides said they wanted to translate their strategic relationship into practical measures supporting peace and stability in Somalia and the wider region.