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Somalia and China have taken an important step toward reviving their defense relationship after nearly four decades. On Friday, Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallin Fiqi met with his Chinese counterpart, Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun, in Beijing during the Xiangshan International Defense Forum. The meeting marked the first ministerial-level engagement between the two nations in almost 40 years, signaling a potential new chapter in their cooperation.
During the discussion, Minister Fiqi shared updates on Somalia’s ongoing security efforts. He highlighted that government forces have made notable progress in reclaiming territory from the al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabaab, which has long posed a threat to Somalia’s stability. According to him, Somali forces have not only liberated large areas once under militant control but also taken meaningful steps to stabilize these regions. He emphasized that such efforts are laying the foundation for a safer environment for ordinary citizens and opening space for political and economic progress.
Admiral Dong responded by acknowledging Somalia’s progress, describing the developments as a “step of hope and stability.” He noted that building a strong national defense is central to ensuring Somalia’s long-term peace and development, and he praised the determination of the Somali government to confront the challenges that have affected the country for decades.
Both ministers expressed a shared commitment to strengthening ties between their two nations, particularly in the areas of regional security and counterterrorism. They agreed that deeper cooperation is necessary to confront global and regional challenges, including violent extremism, piracy, and the security threats that extend across the Horn of Africa. The Chinese side also expressed willingness to support the African Union mission in Somalia, which continues to play a critical role in supporting Somali security forces as they expand their control.
A key part of their conversation focused on building up the Somali National Army. Both ministers agreed that helping Somalia develop a professional and capable army is vital for ensuring lasting security and reducing reliance on international forces in the future. For China, this engagement reflects not only its interest in supporting Somalia’s stability but also its broader strategy of strengthening ties with African countries on defense, development, and peacekeeping.
The meeting also carried symbolic weight, as it underscored a renewal of diplomatic and defense links that had been largely dormant for decades. Somalia and China historically enjoyed warm relations, but years of conflict, instability, and shifting international dynamics left those ties underdeveloped. Now, with Somalia gradually regaining stability and China expanding its global security footprint, the two countries appear ready to re-engage at a higher level.
The Xiangshan International Defense Forum, where the meeting took place, has become one of the most significant platforms for security dialogue in the world. Hosted at the Beijing International Convention Center under the theme “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development,” the forum this year brought together representatives from more than 100 countries and international organizations. For Somalia, attending the forum and holding high-level discussions with China demonstrates its growing role in global security conversations.
By the close of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and stability in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa. Minister Fiqi emphasized that Somalia is determined to continue building its institutions, while Admiral Dong expressed China’s readiness to stand alongside Somalia as a partner in defense and development. Their words suggested not only an agreement on immediate security issues but also a shared vision for long-term cooperation that could benefit both nations.
This meeting represents a meaningful step forward for Somalia, which is eager to strengthen partnerships that can help it overcome its security challenges. It also highlights China’s increasing interest in supporting peace and development in Africa, while expanding its role in shaping global security. For many observers, the discussions in Beijing signaled hope that Somalia and China can move from words to action in building a more secure and stable future.