Somalia, China Deepen Defence Ties as Mogadishu Rebuilds National Army

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BEIJING: Somalia and China have agreed to accelerate defence and security cooperation, as Mogadishu seeks to strengthen its national army and assume greater responsibility for the country’s security.

The agreement was reached during talks in Beijing between Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallin Fiqi and his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, with the two sides discussing ways to expand practical military cooperation.

The ministers reaffirmed the importance of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, while agreeing to speed up implementation of existing defence agreements and broaden cooperation in security and military affairs.

Fiqi briefed Dong on Somalia’s security situation and the government’s efforts to strengthen national security institutions and military capabilities.

He said rebuilding a trained and properly equipped Somali National Army remained a priority for the Federal Government as it works to improve its ability to conduct security operations independently.

Somalia has been seeking to expand the capacity of its armed forces as international security support gradually changes and the government assumes a larger role in fighting Al-Shabaab.

The engagement with Beijing is part of Mogadishu’s wider effort to diversify its international defence partnerships and secure support for military training, equipment and institutional development.

China has maintained longstanding diplomatic ties with Somalia and has expanded its engagement with African countries in areas including development, security and defence cooperation.

The talks also carry wider regional significance because of Somalia’s position along the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab el-Mandeb, a major maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

China operates its first overseas military support base in neighbouring Djibouti, where the People’s Liberation Army has supported maritime operations, including missions linked to the security of shipping in the Gulf of Aden.

The Somali and Chinese ministers said stronger defence cooperation would contribute to stability in Somalia and the wider region.

Fiqi thanked China for its continued support, while Dong welcomed what Beijing described as progress in Somalia’s security, state-building and efforts to develop its national army.

The meeting adds a military dimension to Somalia’s expanding engagement with China as Mogadishu seeks to strengthen its security institutions while broadening its international partnerships.