Somali President hails historic Somalia–China relations, praises Beijing’s development model

MOGADISHU, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed Somalia’s ties with China as “historic” and “steady,” saying the relationship is rooted in mutual respect and sustained cooperation as the two countries marked 65 years of diplomatic relations this week.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Mohamud described China as a consistent and reliable partner since Somalia’s early days of independence, noting that Chinese-funded infrastructure remains central to daily life and economic activity.

“China has supported Somalia since the early years of our independence. Major projects such as hospitals, roads, and airports built with Chinese assistance are still in use today,” he said. “The relationship between Somalia and China has never experienced ups and downs. It has been steady and continuous.”

The president praised China’s economic and technological rise, crediting the leadership of President Xi Jinping for guiding the country toward “significant prosperity and development.” He said China’s development path offers lessons for nations seeking to overcome structural challenges.

“China is an example from which many countries especially developing nations and African states can learn how to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable progress,” Mohamud said.

He framed Somalia-China relations as a platform for practical cooperation across priority sectors. Education, security, agriculture, technology and the blue economy are areas where Mogadishu sees room for shared growth, he said, with a particular focus on improving public education and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

The president said technology transfer and skills development are critical to Somalia’s long-term recovery and job creation, and that Chinese expertise could help accelerate progress in these areas. He also emphasized growing opportunities within the blue economy — including maritime resources and port infrastructure — as Somalia seeks to leverage its long coastline for sustainable development.

Mohamud expressed gratitude for China’s continued support, citing assistance in security and development and Beijing’s position on Somalia’s unity and sovereignty. He portrayed the partnership as grounded in mutual interests and long-term stability rather than episodic aid.

Somalia and China on Tuesday marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, reaffirming their intent to deepen cooperation and expand mutually beneficial partnerships. The milestone underscores Beijing’s expanding engagement across Africa and Somalia’s aim to convert closer ties into tangible gains in education, infrastructure and economic resilience.

The president’s remarks reflect Somalia’s strategy to pair domestic reforms with targeted external partnerships. As the country invests in TVET, public education and technology readiness, officials see collaboration with China as a pathway to build skilled labor, modernize critical infrastructure and widen access to opportunity — while maintaining a relationship Mohamud characterized as notably steady over six decades.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.