Beijing, China – Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation on peace and security as a delegation led by Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, attended the 12th International Defence Forum, widely known as the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which opened this week in the Chinese capital.
The high-level event has drawn defense ministers, military chiefs, and strategic policy experts from more than 100 countries, making it one of the most significant platforms for global defense dialogue outside the United Nations framework. The forum is focusing on regional security challenges, counter-terrorism strategies, peacekeeping, and pathways to build trust in an era of intensifying geopolitical competition.
Fiqi’s participation underscores Somalia’s desire to strengthen its security ties with international partners as it continues to combat Al-Shabaab insurgency, manage the transition from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to national security forces, and prepare for long-term stabilization.
Officials say the Somali delegation is expected to engage in bilateral discussions on defense cooperation, capacity-building, and resource mobilization to support the ongoing security sector reforms in the country.
China, the host nation, has emphasized that the forum aims to promote dialogue and “common security” while offering a space for developing countries to present their security concerns alongside major global powers.
Somalia’s presence at the forum reflects its growing engagement in multilateral platforms, where issues of counter-terrorism, maritime security in the Horn of Africa, and post-conflict stabilization remain high on the agenda.
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum, first held in 2006, has become a prominent track for security diplomacy, offering participating nations an opportunity to articulate defense priorities, share experiences, and explore joint solutions to emerging threats.
For Somalia, the event comes at a pivotal moment as the country looks to consolidate security gains, strengthen defense diplomacy, and position itself as a constructive partner in regional and global peace efforts.