Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to visit China after receiving an official invitation, officials said on Monday.
President Mohamud will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, discussing bilateral relations, regional tensions, and China-Africa partnerships during the upcoming summit in Beijing.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged expanded defense cooperation, emphasizing Beijing opposes Somaliland’s engagement with Taiwan or any moves undermining Somalia’s territorial integrity internationally.
Wang said China and Somalia share long-standing diplomatic ties, with Beijing committed to maintaining consistent political, economic, and regional cooperation while supporting Mogadishu.
Wang Yi’s planned visit to Somalia was postponed after friendly consultations; tensions escalated after Israel recognized Somaliland, drawing criticism throughout the Horn of Africa region.
