Mogadishu/Beijing, – Somalia and China have agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, with a focus on counterterrorism, regional stability, and support for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), during the first ministerial-level talks between the two countries in nearly four decades.
Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi met his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, in Beijing on the sidelines of the Xiangshan Forum, an international defense dialogue hosted by China. The meeting, officials said, signals “a new chapter” in strategic ties between the two nations.
Fiqi briefed Admiral Dong on Somalia’s security gains, including the liberation of significant territories from Al-Shabaab and the stabilization of newly recovered areas. He emphasized Mogadishu’s need for sustained international backing as Somali forces prepare to assume full security responsibility once AUSSOM draws down.
Admiral Dong praised Somalia’s progress, calling it “a step toward hope and stability,” and voiced China’s readiness to support the rebuilding of Somali defense institutions.
Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in countering terrorism, reinforcing regional peace, and enhancing the capacity of the Somali National Army. They also underlined the importance of international support for AUSSOM, which is mandated to hand over security responsibilities to Somali forces by the end of 2026.
This is the first high-level defense meeting between Somalia and China in nearly 40 years. Beijing has gradually expanded its footprint in the Horn of Africa, with its first overseas military base established in Djibouti in 2017, while Somalia seeks to diversify security partnerships as it continues its war against Al-Shabaab.