On December 17, 2025, Somalia and China commemorated the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in a ceremony in Mogadishu, a milestone that highlighted more than six decades of cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared history, and practical development outcomes.
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre reflected on the enduring partnership, noting that China was among the first nations to recognise Somalia’s independence in 1960 and that Somalia was the first East African country to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing that same year. Over the decades, the relationship has adapted to changing global contexts while retaining a foundation of trust and collaboration.
China’s Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, underscored Beijing’s unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. He reiterated that bilateral cooperation has delivered tangible benefits across multiple sectors, describing the relationship as a “demonstration of mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.”
The anniversary arrives amid a significant expansion in practical partnerships. According to Somali and Chinese officials, cooperation has touched infrastructure, public health, education, capacity building, and humanitarian aid – from major road and water systems to hospitals and technical training programs designed to boost skills and services nationwide.
Trade between the two countries has also grown steadily, with bilateral commerce reaching nearly US$972 million in 2024. China’s exports to Somalia include machinery and manufactured goods, while Somali products such as seafood, livestock and agricultural materials have gained traction through preferential access and trade facilitation channels.
Education and people-to-people ties reflect another dimension of the partnership. China has offered scholarships to Somali students for years, enabling talent from Mogadishu, Hargeisa and beyond to gain advanced training and bring those skills back home – including in healthcare, governance, journalism and technical sectors. Events such as the China-Somalia Friendship Scholarship awards at Somali National University affirmed how academic cooperation advances both development and intercultural understanding.
Strategic alignment has been strengthened recently. In September 2024, leaders from both nations elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, pledging deeper engagement and broad collaboration on reconstruction, stability, and shared prosperity.
The anniversary serves not only as a commemoration of history but as a renewed commitment to future cooperation – spanning trade, education, infrastructure, health, capacity building, maritime and blue-economy partnerships, and more. As China and Somalia look forward, the message from Mogadishu was clear: a shared journey of progress, grounded in respect for sovereignty and shared development ambitions, continues to guide their enduring friendship.
