Tuesday June 30, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Monday cut the ribbon on the Somalia Diaspora Centre, newly opened at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Mogadishu.
The inauguration drew Foreign Affairs Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu and a range of other officials and invited guests.
The centre, established with support from the People’s Republic of China, is designed to deepen ties between Somalia’s federal government and Somali communities living abroad.
Officials said it will also help advance the country’s National Diaspora Policy.
Hamza said the diaspora remains one of Somalia’s most valuable assets, highlighting its contribution to national development and its role in keeping Somali faith, culture and the mother tongue alive across the globe.
He reiterated the federal government’s determination to strengthen cooperation with Somali communities overseas.
Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali said trust with diaspora communities must be built through more robust and sustained outreach.
He also thanked China for its long-standing support and said Somalia stands ready to work with Beijing to further expand the Somalia-China strategic partnership.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu said the Somalia Diaspora Centre, completed with assistance from the Chinese government, offered another sign of the friendship between Somalia and China.
“China firmly supports Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and to pursue a development path suited to the nation’s conditions,” Wang said.
He added that 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and said China hopes to work with Somalia to push forward modernization and help build what he called a community with a shared future for humanity.
The Federal Government of Somalia expressed appreciation to China for its role in establishing the Somalia Diaspora Centre.
Officials said the centre will act as a hub for cooperation between the government and Somali diaspora communities, including initiatives tied to development, investment, cultural identity and national policy priorities.
