The Minister of Defense of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, held a high-level meeting with China’s Minister of Defense, Admiral Dong Jun, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in the fields of defense and security.
The meeting, conducted in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding, focused on the historic ties between Somalia and China, particularly on how to further strengthen defense and security cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of basing their cooperation on mutual respect and the preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while addressing Somalia’s security situation and developments within the region and globally.
Minister Fiqi briefed his Chinese counterpart on the progress Somalia has made regarding security and stability, the successes achieved in the fight against terrorist groups, and the efforts to rebuild the Somali National Army.
The Minister stated that the Federal Government of Somalia’s priority is to build a national army that is well-trained, well-equipped, and capable of defending the country and assuming responsibility for national security. For his part, Admiral Dong Jun commended the progress Somalia has made in security, state-building, and the strengthening of its national army, emphasizing the importance of further bolstering relations and cooperation between the two nations. Minister Fiqi expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its longstanding, effective support and consistent backing of Somalia.
The two ministers also agreed to accelerate the implementation of existing understandings and to expand cooperation in the fields of defense and security, aiming to translate the strategic relationship between Somalia and China into tangible actions that contribute to peace and stability in Somalia and the region as a whole.
