Thursday May 30, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Cooperation, Ahmed Moalim Faqi Ahmed, called for investment from
China and Arab countries in Somalia's vital sectors during the tenth
Ministerial Meeting of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum in Beijing, China, on
Thursday.
Speaking at the forum, the Minister highlighted investment
opportunities in Somalia's animal husbandry, agriculture, fisheries, and
renewable energy sectors. He urged foreign companies and financial institutions
to explore the promising opportunities in Somali markets, pledging to provide
necessary facilities and remove obstacles to promote progress and prosperity.
During the forum, Minister Ahmed Faqi emphasized the deep
historical, cultural, intellectual, and trade relations between China and the
Arab world. He noted Somalia's role as the first country in East Africa to
establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and
reaffirmed Somalia's commitment to strengthening cooperation with China.
In his speech, the Minister stressed the importance of this
partnership in achieving common economic benefits and reiterated Somalia's
steadfast support for the principle of One China, recognizing Taiwan as an
integral part of China and emphasizing the necessity of respecting China's
sovereignty and political independence.
The Minister called for the implementation of the results of
the Chinese Arab Summit and the Riyadh Declaration, highlighting their
potential to promote economic and investment cooperation.
Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation, Ahmed Moalim Faqi, also condemned Ethiopia's attempts to interfere
in Somalia's internal affairs through a memorandum of understanding it signed
with the breakaway region of Somaliland. He stated that this move was part of
Ethiopia's historical ambition to access a seaport in the territory of
Northwest Somalia, asserting that such acts violate Somalia's sovereignty and
disturb regional stability.
The Minister reiterated Somalia’s call for Arab and
international support to tackle aggression and genocide against the Palestinian
people. He called for a ceasefire, the provision of international protection
for civilians, humanitarian aid, and the reconstruction of Gaza.