Beijing, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Xi said China is ready to expand cooperation with Somalia in areas including trade, fisheries, economic development, and human resources training. He also pledged continued Chinese support for Somalia’s peace and stability, noting Beijing’s commitment to international peacekeeping operations in the country as well as assistance for its counter-terrorism and self-reliance efforts.
For his part, Mohamud thanked China for its longstanding support in safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic growth. He described China as a “reliable and trustworthy partner,” emphasizing his country’s determination to further deepen bilateral cooperation.
The two nations also signed agreements on cooperation in areas such as radio and television on the sidelines of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
