China and Somalia elevate relations to strategic partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially elevated the relationship between China and Somalia to a strategic partnership, as part of discussions held during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.

Xi highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relationship between the two nations, with Somalia being the first East African country to establish ties with China while emphasising that the partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Chinese president outlined plans to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade, fisheries, and human resource development.

He also reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s counter-terrorism initiatives, economic self-reliance, and participation in international peacekeeping operations.

President Xi congratulated Somalia on its recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and its formal membership in the East African Community. Both leaders expressed a desire to strengthen multilateral cooperation to uphold international justice.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is an official platform for collaboration between China and all African states, except the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Since 2018, FOCAC has been recognized as a vital component of the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as the primary mechanism for multi-lateral coordination between African nations and China.