BEIJING (HT): Somalia and China have agreed to accelerate existing security understandings and expand practical cooperation in defence, following high-level talks between their defence ministers in Beijing.
Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallin Fiqi briefed Admiral Dong Jun on operations against armed groups, progress in rebuilding the Somali National Army and Mogadishu’s objective of assuming full responsibility for national security.
The two ministers said future cooperation would be based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. China praised Somalia’s state-building and security progress, while Fiqi thanked Beijing for its longstanding support.
Neither government disclosed specific new equipment, financing or training commitments. However, the agreement to speed up implementation suggests that military training, institutional support and capacity-building could feature prominently in the relationship.
