As part of ongoing diplomatic outreach during his African engagements, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi spoke over the phone with Somali counterpart Abdulsalam on January 12 from Beijing. The conversation reinforced the enduring bond between the two countries, rooted in mutual support and shared principles.
Conveying heartfelt regards from Chinese leadership to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Wang Yi extended an official invitation for the Somali leader to attend the second China-Arab States Summit later this year. This gesture highlights Beijing’s focus on elevating people-to-people and high-level interactions.
Wang Yi stressed the historical friendship and China’s unwavering policy of friendship towards Somalia. He commended Somalia’s consistent support for the one-China policy through concrete actions and vowed continued backing for its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Moving forward, the two nations plan to intensify cooperation in critical areas like trade, security, and defense, especially under the banner of the China-Africa People-to-People Exchange Year to fortify their strategic partnership.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister reciprocated by thanking China for its vital assistance in protecting national integrity and combating terrorism and separatism. He affirmed Somalia’s steadfast adherence to the one-China principle, treating the Taiwan matter as purely internal to China.
Praising Xi Jinping’s global initiatives, Abdulsalam expressed readiness to enhance ties in multiple fields, propel Somalia’s stability and growth, foster peace in the Horn of Africa, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.
The call exemplifies China’s strategic engagement in the region, promising enhanced collaboration amid global uncertainties.