Beijing, January 12 – In a significant diplomatic exchange amid his Africa tour, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi engaged in a telephonic conversation with Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdulsalam. The call underscored the deepening ties between the two nations, highlighting mutual respect and strategic cooperation.
Wang Yi extended warm greetings from Chinese leaders to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. He specifically welcomed President Mohamud’s participation in the upcoming second China-Arab States Summit in China this year, signaling Beijing’s commitment to fostering high-level engagements.
Emphasizing the traditional friendship between China and Somalia, Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s steadfast friendly policy towards the African nation. He praised Somalia’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and pledged unwavering support for its national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Despite evolving international dynamics, China intends to expand cooperation in trade, security, and defense sectors. This aligns with the ‘China-Africa People-to-People Exchange Year,’ aiming to bolster the strategic partnership between the two countries.
In response, Foreign Minister Abdulsalam expressed profound gratitude for China’s support in safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and countering separatism and terrorism. He reiterated Somalia’s commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an inalienable part of China and viewing the Taiwan issue as China’s internal affair.
Abdulsalam lauded President Xi Jinping’s four global initiatives and voiced eagerness to deepen collaboration across various domains. Somalia aims to advance its peace and development agenda, promote lasting peace in the Horn of Africa, and contribute to building a shared future community for mankind alongside China.
This dialogue reflects China’s proactive diplomacy in Africa, strengthening bilateral relations at a time when regional stability remains paramount.