Islamabad, 24 March 2022 (TDI): Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor, Wang Yi, met The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E Abdisaid Muse Ali, at OIC Conference, in Islamabad. The meeting took place on March 22.
Remarks of Chinese Foreign Minister
It is pertinent to note that Chinese and Somalian Foreign Ministers held an exchange on the margins of the OIC Summit in Pakistan. In this context, the Chinese Foreign Minister said Somalia is one of the important states of the Horn of Africa.
He further remarked that Somalia is having enough and enriched endowment for development. But, the national development of Somalia is disrupted due to geographical and political factors. Therefore, there is a long way ahead for the people of Somalia to improve their livelihood.
Along the sidelines of the OIC Conference, Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out that China supports various factions of the Somalian mainland. Meanwhile, he also focused on the development and revitalization which is a key factor in the political and social stability of Somalia.
In addition to that, he remarked that China and Somalia are good friends. Therefore, China supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. Similarly, China never interfered in the internal affairs of Somalia. China also avoids participating in major-power rivalry on the African continent.
Thereupon, Foreign Minister Wang Yi maintained that China is ready to contribute to the development, stability, security, and peace of Somalia. He also said that Global Development Initiative (GDI) focuses development and livelihood of people.
Moreover, he stressed that China is ready to collaborate with Somalia to upgrade GDI and deepen government exchanges. Likewise, China will help to implement nine programs of collaboration with Africa.
Further, he reiterated China is also planning to push for the implementation of emergency food aid along with the provision of humanitarian material assistance. Humanitarian assistance also includes personal training.
Then, the Chinese Foreign Minister mentioned practical areas of cooperation including health, fishery, and capacity building. Lastly, he said that China is committed to contributing strength to the peace of the African region.
Remarks of Somalian Foreign Minister
The Foreign Minister of Somalia highlighted the current dynamics of the Horn of Africa and the African Union Mission in Somalia. He also regarded China’s contribution towards the development and unity of the African region.
Meanwhile, he reaffirmed to conduct the Horn of Africa peace conference. Indeed, China and Somalia enjoy strong historical relations. Thereafter, he thanked China for providing long-term assistance to Somalia to restore peace and stability in the region.
He also hoped to learn from the experiences of China in various fields including state governance and poverty alleviation strategies.
MPhil Scholar at Centre of South Asian Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore
