By Zakaria Soohoyde - Reporter
Mogadishu, 22 September 2026 An event marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was held in Mogadishu on Monday, with Somalia's Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi attending the ceremony, according to Somalia's Ministry of Defence.
Fiqi, addressing the event, said Somalia and China share longstanding relations built on mutual respect, equality and common interests, noting that ties between the two countries were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2024.
The minister praised China's position in support of Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as well as Beijing's support for the country's peace, security and development efforts.
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Somalia hopes to further expand cooperation between the two countries, particularly in defence and security, economic development, infrastructure and maritime security, Fiqi said.
The minister also said Mogadishu wants to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries and thanked China's ambassador to Somalia for his efforts to advance bilateral relations.