China offers Beijing visit to Somali president, reaffirms support for his country’s unity

BEIJING — China’s foreign minister has reiterated Beijing’s firm support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, opposing any attempts by Somaliland to seek separate arrangements with Taiwan.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a phone call Sunday with Somalia’s foreign minister, Abdisalam Dhaay, as Wang traveled in Africa, according to statements from both sides. Wang said China remains fully committed to a friendly policy toward Somalia and will continue to strengthen cooperation in economic development, security, and defense despite shifts in the global landscape.

Wang also extended a formal invitation to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to visit Beijing to attend the second China–Arab States Summit. He described the year of China-Africa people-to-people exchanges as an opportunity to deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries.

In the call, Wang voiced China’s support for Somalia’s leadership role at the United Nations Security Council in January, citing a shared responsibility to safeguard international peace and security.

Dhaay thanked China for its backing of Somalia, particularly its support for the country’s sovereignty and unity, efforts against separatism and terrorism, and assistance toward national stability and development. He reaffirmed Somalia’s adherence to the One China policy.

Separately, the Chinese Embassy in Somalia said the postponement of Wang’s planned visit to Mogadishu was due to scheduling adjustments and friendly consultations between the two foreign ministries, and was not related to security concerns.\

GAROWE ONLINE