Wang Yi Meets with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisaid Muse Ali

On March 22, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisaid Muse Ali in Islamabad on the sidelines of the session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation upon invitation.

Wang Yi said, Somalia is an important country in the Horn of Africa with a sound endowment for development. Due to geopolitical and other factors, Somalia's national development has been disrupted, and the improvement of people's livelihood has a long way to go. China supports various factions in Somalia in strengthening coordination, focusing on development and revitalization and maintaining political and social stability. China and Somalia are good friends and old friends. We have always supported Somalia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, never interfered in its internal affairs, never sought geopolitical interests and never participated in the major-power rivalry. We are ready to continue to contribute to Somalia's peace, stability and development.

Abdisaid said, Somalia and China have strong historical relations and China is a reliable friend of Somalia. He thanks China for its long-term support and assistance and looks forward to continued support from China in realizing peace, security and development. He hopes to learn from China's experience in state governance, especially the experience in poverty alleviation.

Wang Yi said that prioritizing development and improving people's livelihood are important elements of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) proposed by President Xi Jinping, and China is ready to deepen exchanges of state governance experience with Somalia within the framework of the GDI. China will push for the implementation of the nine programs of cooperation with Africa in Somalia and is stepping up the implementation of emergency food aid to Somalia. China is ready to continue providing humanitarian material assistance and personnel training, and strengthen practical cooperation in areas such as agriculture, fishery, health and capacity building.

Abdisaid introduced the current situation in the Horn of Africa and the African Union Mission in Somalia. He spoke highly of China's efforts to promote unity and cooperation in the Horn of Africa and agreed to hold the Horn of Africa peace conference. Wang Yi said, China is willing to continue to contribute wisdom and strength to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.