China, Somalia Pledge Closer Security, Trade Partnerships

By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter

Somalia, 31 January 2026 Somali and Chinese officials have agreed to accelerate cooperation in security and trade, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the long-standing historical relationship between the two countries.

The agreement was reached during a meeting held in Mogadishu, today, between Somali Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, and Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu.

Barre said Somalia is giving priority to strengthening its diplomatic engagement with Beijing in order to maximize shared interests with China, at a time when the country is undergoing a critical phase of security stabilization and economic recovery.

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The Prime Minister thanked China for its continued support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while also acknowledging China’s visible role in infrastructure reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.

For his part, Ambassador Yu reaffirmed China’s commitment to maintaining its friendly relations, noting that his country will continue to strengthen its support for Somalia in the areas of security, investment, and economic development.

The meeting comes as Somalia seeks to deepen international partnerships to support security efforts, economic growth, and the expansion of trade, with China remaining one of Somalia’s long-standing strategic partners.

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