China and Somalia Celebrate 65 Years of Diplomatic Ties. Mogadishu, Somalia — Mogadishu, SONNA: 2025 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Somalia, a milestone that has seen the two nations forge a deep and enduring partnership.
As the first East African country to establish ties with China, Somalia has developed a relationship based on mutual respect and shared aspirations.
In September 2024, during the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the elevation of China–Somalia relations to a strategic partnership. This move signifies a historic deepening of political trust and future cooperation, with President Xi emphasizing the shared mission of achieving complete national unity and China’s unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace process, and national reconstruction. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China has supported Somalia through significant projects in healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure.
Iconic landmarks such as the Mogadishu Stadium, Benadir Hospital, National Grand Theatre, and the North — South National Highway are enduring symbols of this cooperation.
Additionally, China has established and expanded “green lanes “for African agricultural products, facilitating increased market access for Somalia’s seafood, livestock, and farm produce. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $972 million in 2024, reflecting the robust economic cooperation that underpins the relationship.
The partnership is also grounded in strong people — to-people ties, as exemplified by the numerous Somali students who receive scholarships annually to study in Chinese universities. These students return as engineers, doctors, and architects, contributing to Somalia’s reconstruction efforts. Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu highlighted China’s commitment to high-quality development during a recent visit to Somali National University, emphasizing the crucial role of Somali youth in shaping the nation’s future and strengthening bilateral ties.
The continuous exchange of skills and knowledge between Chinese and Somali institutions further strengthens this bond. China views a stable and prosperous Somalia as essential to the security and progress of the Horn of Africa, and Somalia sees China as more than a development partner—it is an all-weather friend.
As the relationship continues to grow, both nations are poised to benefit from further cooperation, laying a stronger foundation for peace, development, and shared prosperity for generations to come.
Source: sonna.
