Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Maalam Faqi, used his address at the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum in Beijing to condemn Ethiopia’s meddling in Somali affairs. He specifically criticized an “illegal memorandum of understanding” signed between Ethiopia and a Somali region, which Faqi claims violates Somalia’s sovereignty and disrupts regional stability. He warned that such actions threaten broader Arab, regional, and international security.
Minister Faqi went beyond criticism, highlighting Somalia’s progress in debt relief, constitutional reform, national reconciliation, and social service delivery. He emphasized the liberation of over 70% of the country from terrorist control. This focus on positive developments aimed to attract investment from Arab and Chinese companies. Faqi specifically mentioned animal husbandry, agriculture, fisheries, and renewable energy as promising sectors. He pledged to remove obstacles and provide necessary facilities to facilitate investment.
Beyond Somalia’s domestic issues, Faqi expressed deep concern about the situation in Palestine. He condemned Israeli actions as “aggression and genocide” and called for international support to address the violations. Somalia, he reiterated, supports the Arab Peace Initiative and efforts to secure Palestinian rights.
The Minister’s address balanced criticism of Ethiopia with a push for international cooperation, both economically through investment and politically in support of Palestine.
