China seeks to strengthen cooperation with Somalia

Abdisaid Muse [L] met with Wang Yi [R] on the margins of the Foreign Ministers of the OIC in Islamabad. {MFA Photo]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - China has intensified campaigns to strengthen its relationship with Somalia as it seeks to expand ties with Africa, a continent believed to be full of resources and potential to compete with economic bigwigs.

For the last decade, China has invested massively in Africa and has even tried to establish military bases further threatening traditional allies such as the United States, Germany, and Britain. The US has come out open to fire warning shots to China.

On Tuesday, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister Abdisaid Muse held talks with Chinese counterpart Wangi Yi. Muse is attending the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Affairs ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Reports indicate the two discussed ways of improving cooperation between the two countries and how they can mutually work together on matters of security, humanitarian affairs, fishery, and regional issues. Both countries have huge interests in the sectors.

Abdisaid Muse also seized the opportunity to eulogize victims it Boeing 737-800 crash of Eastern Airlines of China which crashed in the southern part of the country, killing over 132 people who were on board.

Fundamentally, the two emphasized the importance of maintaining and furthering the long-standing relations between the two countries that are based on respect for territorial integrity, independence, politics, and the unity of the Federal of Somalia and China.

While China is fighting to protect interests in the Republic of China [Taiwan], Somalia is also facing a similar challenge in Somaliland. China has proposed a military base in the Horn of Africa but such attempts have often faced resistance from the US.

GAROWE ONLINE