Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated that his country fully supports Somalia in safeguarding its unity, independence and territorial integrity, and firmly opposes any attempt to have “Somaliland” cooperate with Taiwan to seek independence.
Wang Yi made the remarks in a phone conversation with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Dhaay on Sunday, during his visit to Africa. He stressed that China is committed to a friendly policy towards Somalia and will continue to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, security and defense, despite the changes taking place on the international stage.
Wang Yi also invited President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to visit Beijing to attend the Second China-Arab States Summit, describing the Year of China-Africa People-to-People Interaction as an opportunity to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The Chinese minister also expressed full support for Somalia’s leadership of the United Nations Security Council in January, noting the joint responsibility of the two countries in maintaining international peace and security.
For his part, Minister Abdisalam Dhaay thanked China for its support to Somalia, especially in defending the country’s independence and unity, fighting separatism and terrorism, and supporting national stability and development. He also reaffirmed that Somalia fully adheres to the One-China Policy.
Finally, the Chinese Embassy in Somalia stated that the postponement of Wang Yi’s visit to Mogadishu was due to a change in schedule and friendly consultations between the two foreign ministries, and had nothing to do with security circumstances.
