Changsha (LM) H.E. Mr. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, participated in the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Changsha, Hunan Province.
In his address, Minister Abdi Ali reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to a principled partnership with China, emphasizing mutual respect and shared development goals. He expressed appreciation for the new initiatives announced by President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, highlighting their alignment with Africa’s real needs and China’s ongoing support for the continent.
“Over the past 25 years since FOCAC was launched, Africa has experienced meaningful transformation from modern infrastructure to digital innovation and advancements in human development. This partnership speaks through results, not rhetoric,” the Minister stated.
He outlined Somalia’s development priorities, including investments in human capital, digital governance, infrastructure, and value-added trade, urging stronger cooperation in these sectors to support Somalia’s recovery and reform agenda.
“Somalia envisions a future where partnerships create real opportunities for our people, fostering an environment where we build, produce, educate, and connect. This is the cooperation we advocate for,” he emphasized.
The Changsha meeting marks a significant moment for Somalia as it asserts its role in international diplomacy and development discussions. The Minister expressed Somalia’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to the next chapter of FOCAC, focusing on delivery, inclusion, and long-term impact.
Leadership Magazine
