MOGADISHU — The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, has received the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Somalia, Wang Yu, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mogadishu to discuss strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Minister Abdisalam praised China’s continued support for Somalia, particularly in the construction of the Diaspora Affairs Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as in the areas of development and education. He reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation and the historical ties between the two nations.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu has been actively engaged in expanding bilateral cooperation. This week, he announced that more than 150 Somalis had been awarded Chinese government scholarships, the largest intake on record, spanning government officials, military officers, law enforcement personnel, and university students. Both civilian and military programmes reached record levels for a second consecutive year.
Somalia is set to begin exporting fish and other seafood products to China in September 2026, following the implementation of a tariff-free agreement signed between the two countries in July 2026. The agreement, signed by Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Adan, and Ambassador Wang Yu, allows Somali fishery products, including tuna and other seafood, to enter the Chinese market duty-free.
Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has received Ambassador Wang Yu for talks focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and reinforcing security sector collaboration between the two nations. The discussions centered on counter-terrorism efforts, enhancing the capacity of Somali security institutions, and deepening the strategic partnership. Ambassador Wang Yu reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to expanding military assistance and training programs for Somali forces.
Since restoring diplomatic relations in 2020, Somalia and China have renewed their commitment to mutual respect, equality, and common development. The relationship has expanded across education, security, trade, infrastructure, and humanitarian assistance. The China–Somalia Trade Conference in Yinchuan brought together more than 100 companies, with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre underscoring Somalia’s untapped opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, infrastructure, and telecommunications.
Somalia and China have maintained a long-standing diplomatic relationship dating back to 1960, when Somalia was among the first African countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China. Ambassador Wang Yu has framed the recent cooperation within a bilateral relationship that has run for sixty-six years, with both countries remaining committed to mutual respect, equality and common development.
Critical Note
While the growing partnership between Somalia and China offers significant opportunities for development and economic growth, the effectiveness of these agreements will ultimately depend on implementation and accountability. The government must ensure that Chinese investments and assistance are aligned with Somalia’s national priorities and that the benefits reach local communities. Furthermore, the deepening ties with Beijing raise questions about the balance of influence and the need for transparency in bilateral agreements. The government should ensure that all agreements are subject to parliamentary oversight and that the terms of cooperation serve the long-term interests of the Somali people.
