Beijing – Chinese Foreign Minister and Political Bureau Member Wang Yi conducted a crucial phone discussion with Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdulsalam on January 12, while on his Africa tour. This interaction spotlighted the robust traditional friendship and strategic alignment between China and Somalia.
Wang Yi passed on affectionate greetings from China’s leaders to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, warmly inviting the president to the second China-Arab States Summit in China this year.
Highlighting the deep-rooted amicable relations, Wang Yi reiterated China’s firm commitment to its friendly stance on Somalia. He highly appreciated Somalia’s tangible support for the one-China principle and assured perpetual solidarity in upholding the country’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial wholeness. Irrespective of international shifts, China will deepen exchanges in trade, security, and defense, leveraging the China-Africa People-to-People Exchange Year to elevate their strategic partnership.
Abdulsalam conveyed sincere thanks for China’s role in defending Somalia against separatism and terrorism, while defending its sovereignty. Somalia remains dedicated to the one-China policy, viewing Taiwan as an inseparable Chinese territory and the issue as internal.
The minister applauded the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, showing willingness to broaden cooperation, advance national peace and development, support Horn of Africa stability, and co-create a shared future for humankind.
Such high-level communications underscore China’s influential role in African diplomacy, paving the way for sustained partnership.