MOGADISHU — Somalia and China commemorated the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on Tuesday with a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation and advance mutual interests in the years ahead.
In a ceremony held in the nation’s capital, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre hailed the milestone as a reflection of deep and lasting friendship. “We gather today to honor a truly historic achievement: 65 years of diplomatic ties between Somalia and China,” he said. “This anniversary is a testament to an enduring bond between our peoples—forged in mutual respect, sovereignty, and common understanding.”
Since establishing relations in 1960, Barre noted, the two countries have journeyed together through evolving global landscapes, supporting one another through times of progress and challenge alike.
“For decades, China has stood as a steadfast partner—one that honors our independence, aligns with our national priorities, and invests in our future,” the Prime Minister stated.
He pointed to concrete outcomes of the partnership across critical sectors: “Our cooperation has delivered real and meaningful results. It has fueled infrastructure development, bolstered health and education systems, enhanced public services and institutional capacity, and provided vital humanitarian aid when it was most needed.”
Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu underscored the historic significance of the bilateral relationship, which began on December 14, 1960. “That year marked Somalia’s independence, and China was among the first nations to recognize the new state,” Wang said. “Somalia, in turn, became the first East African country to establish diplomatic relations with China.”
The Ambassador thanked Somalia for its consistent support of the One-China principle and reaffirmed China’s unwavering commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
“The friendship between China and Somalia,” Wang added, “remains a powerful example of how mutually beneficial cooperation can foster shared growth and development.”
