On September 14, 2023, the Chinese Embassy in Somalia held a reception in Mogadishu to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. H.E. Fei Shengchao, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia hosted the reception, and H.E. Adan Mohamed Nuur Madobe, Speaker of the House of the People of Somalia, H.E. Daud Aweis Jama, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Government of Somalia, and H.E. Catriona Laing, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of UNSOM as well as more than 100 other guests from all walks of life in Somali and diplomatic missions attended the reception.

H.E. Ambassador Fei Shengchao, in his remarks, pointed out that 2023 marks the 10th anniversary not only of the vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, but also of the Principles of Sincerity, Real Results, Amity and Good Faith and the Principles of Pursuing the Greater Good and Shared Interests in China’s relations with African nations, both put forward by H.E. Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also underlined that 2023 was the first year for China to comprehensively implement the plan set forth at the 20th CPC National Congress. Ambassador Fei said that on its way to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization, China would work with Somalia and all other countries as well as international partners to make every effort to promote peace, development, unity and progress, so as to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Ambassador Fei emphasized that China and Somalia always abide by the basic norms governing international relations, namely, respect for each others’ independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual support are the hallmark of this relationship. He said that China was a staunch supporter of Somalia, as demonstrated by the facts that just in the past year, China had provided support to Somalia in security supplies, food aid, orphans’ care, training courses, scholarships, renovation of hospitals, schools and public institution buildings, and that with Chinese support and scholarships, hundreds of Somalis including diplomats, military officers, judicial officials, fishing expert, journalists and students had opportunities to go to China for training, education and exchanges. 

Ambassador Fei said that the Chinese Embassy in Somalia would continue to strengthen communication and cooperation with Somalis from all walks of life, UN agencies and other international partners to pool wisdom and efforts in line with Somalia’s priorities and work together to explore and advance cooperation projects in such areas as education, health care, people’s livelihood and security. He stressed that China would continue to support Somalia in all areas in its pursuit of peace, development and revival and work together with Somalia to overcome difficulties to promote peace and development and create a better tomorrow for people of the two countries and around the world.

On behalf of the Somali government and people, H.E. Speaker Adan Mohamed Nuur Madobe extended festive greetings to the Chinese government and people, and thanked China for supporting Somalia and other African countries in humanitarian and other fields. He said that China had always stood by Somalia and made immense contribution to Somali reconstruction and revival, which “is an indisputable and well-known fact”. He underlined that Somalia cherishes this friendship and looks forward to working with China and other peace-loving countries to promote world cooperation, dialogue and development.

After a video showcasing the developments of China-Somalia relations over the past year was played, H.E. Ambassador Fei Shengchao, H.E. Speaker Adan Mohamed Nuur Madobe, H.E. Minister Daud Aweis Jama and H.E. Special Representative Catriona Laing came together to cut a cake for the celebration. 

A group of Somali folk artists performed local songs and dances for the guests. The lyrics of the song went: “China and Somalia share a bond that cannot be broken. A bond of love and brotherhood that has lasted long.” Both the hosts and guests enjoyed the event and the reception was a full success.

Xinhua News Agency, Somali National News Agency (SONNA), Dalsan TV, Universal TV and other media from China and Somalia were present to cover the reception.