Mogadishu, The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Amb. Hu Changchun, Special Envoy of the People’s Republic of China to the Horn of Africa, at the Villa Somalia Presidential Palace.MOGADISHU — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali have held separate high-level talks with China’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Hu Changchun, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
President Mohamud received Ambassador Hu at the Villa Somalia Presidential Palace, where the two leaders discussed enhancing the longstanding bilateral relations between Somalia and China, improving cooperation on peace, security, and development in the Horn of Africa, and identifying opportunities to expand economic engagement and regional collaboration .
Strategic Partnership Discussions at Foreign Ministry
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, Minister Abdisalam engaged in substantive discussions with Ambassador Hu, with both parties conducting thorough exchanges on deepening collaboration across various critical sectors .
The Chinese envoy reaffirmed Beijing’s steadfast backing for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while also noting the enduring historical connections between the two nations. He highlighted Somalia’s strategic position as an essential corridor for worldwide trade and connectivity .
The Somali administration affirmed its dedication to reinforcing bilateral ties and broadening cooperation in priority areas. China expressed its willingness to collaborate closely with Somalia to advance mutual interests, support Somali-led initiatives, and enhance cooperation on peace and security within international frameworks .
Blue Economy and Fisheries Cooperation
Both parties explored extending collaboration in fisheries and the blue economy, acknowledging their significance for sustainable economic development and the effective use of Somalia’s extensive maritime resources .
The discussions on maritime cooperation come amid broader efforts to strengthen Somalia’s fisheries sector. Somalia and China have agreed to expand cooperation in the blue economy sector, with both sides recognizing the sustainable utilization of Somalia’s vast maritime resources as a critical pillar for future economic growth .
Revived Defense Cooperation
The diplomatic engagement follows a landmark revival of defense ties between the two nations. In September 2025, Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the Xiangshan International Defense Forum in Beijing, representing the first ministerial-level defense engagement between the two nations in nearly 40 years .
Fiqi highlighted Somalia’s ongoing struggle against terrorism and maritime threats, stressing the need for international partnerships to build the Somali National Army’s capacity. Admiral Dong Jun assured Beijing’s readiness to expand collaboration in training, counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and maritime security — areas where Somalia has urgent needs .
China’s Support for Somalia’s Territorial Integrity
China has consistently reaffirmed its firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In May 2025, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, met with SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdulkadir Ahmed Aw-Ali in Mogadishu to discuss deepening cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework, with discussions focusing on critical infrastructure projects including roads, energy, health, and water infrastructure .
Ambassador Yu reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s sovereignty, development goals, and reconstruction efforts, while emphasizing the importance of regional representation in national development plans .
Somalia’s Participation in FOCAC
Somalia has actively engaged with China through the FOCAC framework. In June 2025, Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali and his delegation participated in the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of FOCAC in Changsha, Hunan Province, where he emphasized Somalia’s readiness to expand cooperation with China in trade, infrastructure, and technology .
Commitment to Shared Interests
The back-to-back meetings with President Mohamud and Minister Abdisalam underscore the strategic importance both nations place on their bilateral relationship. China has consistently supported Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within international frameworks, while Somalia has reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle .
Both sides agreed to continue working closely to advance shared interests, support Somali-led initiatives, and strengthen cooperation on peace and security across the Horn of Africa. The talks reflect ongoing efforts by both nations to build on historical ties while addressing emerging regional challenges and opportunities .
The two leaders discussed enhancing the longstanding bilateral relations between Somalia and China, improving cooperation on peace, security and development in the Horn of Africa, and identifying opportunities to expand economic engagement and regional collaboration.
