MOGADISHU (SD) – Today, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, received the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Fei Shengchao, at Villa Somalia.

The Chinese ambassador shared with the president the support of the Chinese government for Somalia’s independence, unity, and territorial integrity.

The president expressed his gratitude for China’s support and stressed the importance of complying with international laws.

The meeting between Somalia’s president and the Chinese Ambassador follows a statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Mao Ning, reiterating that Somaliland is part of Somalia and that it is important to maintain the unity of the Somalia. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Horn of Africa countries to manage the issues in the region well.

On January 1, 2024, an agreement was reached between Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland’s outgoing President Muse Bihi to lease 20 km of Red Sea to Ethiopia, in return Ethiopia would explore Somaliland’s recognition.