Honor guards of the Chinese PLA Support Base in Djibouti march in the military parade.
By Wang Zongyang and Dong Mingli
MORONI, July 7 -- At the invitation of the Comorian government, a detachment of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Support Base in Djibouti participated in the military parade marking the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Comoros on July 6, local time. This marks the first time the Chinese PLA has taken part in a military parade in the Comoros.
The military parade was held in Moroni, the capital city of the Comoros. After the ceremony began, formations from the Comorian National Development Army, the Comorian Coast Guard, and other units of the country marched past the reviewing stand. They were followed by international contingents from China, Morocco, and Tanzania.
According to Brigade General Youssouf Idjihadi, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Comorian National Development Army, they are deeply grateful to Chinese President Xi Jinping for sending Chinese troops to join them in celebrating such a significant occasion. They look forward to further developing their relations with China and strengthening the friendship between the two countries and militaries, thereby becoming exemplary partners across Africa and the Indian Ocean region. He also said that China is a great friend.
China was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the Comoros. Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, China has always adhered to the concept of peaceful development in developing bilateral relations. The friendship between the two countries is profound and everlasting. The two sides have always supported each other, worked hand in hand, and actively promoted the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. In September 2024, the two heads of state jointly announced the elevation of China-Comoros relations to a strategic partnership.
The Comorian army formation marches in the military parade.