By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Beijing, 18 September 2026 Somalia discussed strengthening defence and security cooperation with China and other African countries at a forum in Beijing, the Somali Defence Ministry said on Friday.
This year's forum was the Fourth China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, held under the theme: "Building Security Together: Rendering Mutual Support for Seven Decades, Undertaking Shared Responsibility in New Realities."
Military representatives and diplomatic envoys from the African Union and 41 African countries attended the gathering. It was hosted by Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun and attended by defence ministers, military commanders and other senior officials.
Dong Jun said Beijing wanted to strengthen strategic coordination, defence cooperation, maritime security and capabilities in emerging security fields with African countries.
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Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi delivered remarks at the forum. He outlined Somalia's efforts to fight al-Shabaab, rebuild state institutions and strengthen its security forces, according to the ministry.
He said Somalia aimed to establish armed forces and security institutions capable of assuming full responsibility for protecting the country and its population.
The minister also said security improvements, state-building and economic growth were closely linked, adding that Somalia wanted to translate recent security gains into lasting stability, investment and job creation.
The Somali Defence Ministry said Fiqi welcomed China's support for building African security capabilities and reaffirmed Mogadishu's commitment to strengthening its longstanding strategic relationship with Beijing.