Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held talks with China’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Xue Bing, on strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation. The meeting took place at the Presidential Palace, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing ties between Somalia and China.

During the discussions, Ambassador Xue Bing commended the Somali government for its recent progress and praised the Ankara Declaration as a positive step toward fostering regional stability and cooperation.

In a statement, Villa Somalia emphasized the importance of the meeting:
“Today, H.E. President @HassanSMohamud received Ambassador Xue Bing, China’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa. Their discussions focused on regional developments, with both sides emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Somalia and China.”

Ambassador Xue Bing also held talks with Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Isaak Mohamud Mursal, and Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.

Deputy Minister Isaak Mohamud Mursal commended China for its sustained partnership with Somalia, highlighting its role in promoting peace in the Horn of Africa and fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation. He reiterated Somalia’s commitment to the “One China” principle and expressed appreciation for China’s support of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ambassador Xue Bing conveyed gratitude for the warm reception and noted that this visit marked his third trip to Somalia. He reiterated his dedication to advancing bilateral agreements made during the China-Somalia Cooperation Summit and pledged collaboration on areas such as security, trade, and infrastructure development under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.

Somalia extended an invitation to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Somalia during his New Year tour of Africa, aiming to further solidify the growing partnership between the two nations.

The visit underscores China’s continued engagement in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, with a focus on regional stability, infrastructure development, and economic cooperation.