MOGADISHU (SD) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisaid Muse Ali, on Thursday received the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, FEI Shengchao, at the Ministry’s headquarters.

The Minister and the Ambassador discussed strengthening the historical ties between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Government of China in the areas of politics, security, counter-terrorism, development, economy and Horn of Africa region issues.

The meeting also focused on how the Government of Somalia and the Government of China can jointly implement development projects in the country, which are part of the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, to achieve the national aspirations of the two friendly peoples.

The Chinese ambassador described Somalia as a strategic ally, underlining the Chinese government’s commitment to continue supporting Somalia’s state-building and respecting the unity and sovereignty of the Somali government and people.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, thanked the Chinese government for its support and role in safeguarding the unity and respect of the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The meeting comes and is in response to Western nations steps in preventing China’s expansion into Africa. and a recent debate at UK parliament for Somaliland regaining it’s Independence from Somalia.

The Chinese government is particularly angry about the political relationship between between Somaliland and Taiwan and is leveraging Mogadishu in a political push back.