BEIJING (SD) -Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have announced the elevation of China-Somalia relations to a strategic partnership following their meeting.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Beijing to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit.

Xi emphasized that Somalia was the first East African country to establish diplomatic relations with China, noting that the friendship between China and Somalia has gone through various stages.

The Chinese President also expressed China’s support for Somalia in maintaining its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its peace and development processes. He highlighted the need for both sides to firmly support each other on issues related to their fundamental interests and major concerns.

A brief statement posted on the official Facebook page of the Somali presidency also mentioned several issues discussed by the two leaders.