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A Somali delegation led by Defense Minister Ahmed Moalin Fiqi is taking part in the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a major international defense and security conference being held in China. The event, hosted at the Beijing International Convention Center, has attracted representatives from over 100 countries and organizations, making it one of the most influential gatherings in global security discussions.
Somalia’s participation at the forum reflects its determination to play a larger role in international peace and security efforts. In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Defense explained that attending such meetings demonstrates the country’s commitment to cooperating with other nations to promote peace, stability, and development around the world. For Somalia, being present on a stage of this magnitude is also a way to show that it is actively shaping global conversations instead of being left on the sidelines.
Defense Minister Fiqi used the opportunity to highlight Somalia’s position as a current member of the United Nations Security Council. He emphasized that Somalia does not see its role in the Security Council as symbolic, but rather as an active responsibility to contribute ideas, solutions, and cooperation on issues that affect all nations. His remarks made it clear that Somalia views peace and security as shared concerns that require dialogue and collaboration across borders.
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum has built a reputation over the years as one of the most respected platforms for addressing international defense and security challenges. Each year, the event brings together ministers, military leaders, scholars, and policy experts to exchange ideas on how to prevent conflict and strengthen cooperation. The 2025 edition is being held under the theme “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development,” a theme that resonates strongly at a time when global tensions are rising in different regions of the world.
For Somalia, joining this year’s conference is significant because it offers a chance to connect with countries facing similar challenges and to learn from international experiences in peacebuilding and security reforms. It also allows Somalia to share its own story, particularly its progress in rebuilding institutions, strengthening security forces, and countering threats such as terrorism and piracy. By doing so, Somalia positions itself not only as a country in need of support but also as a partner that can contribute knowledge and perspectives drawn from its own struggles and successes.
The event also provides an important networking opportunity for Somalia’s defense sector. By engaging with representatives from more than 100 countries, Somali officials can explore partnerships that may strengthen training programs, defense cooperation, and capacity-building projects. Such collaboration could be vital in helping Somalia modernize its armed forces, improve regional security, and ensure that peace and stability at home continue to move forward.
Minister Fiqi’s attendance signals a broader shift in Somalia’s foreign policy approach, one that aims to go beyond immediate national concerns and embrace a role in shaping international stability. Somalia’s participation in the Xiangshan Forum reflects its recognition that security challenges are interconnected, and solutions must be found collectively. This perspective aligns with its activities at the United Nations, where Somalia has been advocating for stronger multilateralism and shared responsibility in addressing conflicts and global threats.
As the forum continues in Beijing, Somalia’s presence serves as a reminder that even nations still working through their own internal challenges can play an important role in the global community. By stepping onto the stage of one of the world’s most prominent defense conferences, Somalia is signaling that it is ready to contribute to dialogue, cooperation, and peace efforts beyond its own borders.