China, Somalia diplomatic ties flourishing amid mutual benefits: envoy

MOGADISHU — The bilateral cooperation between China and Somalia has thrived in diverse fields as both countries achieve mutual benefits, an envoy said on Dec 14.

Qin Jian, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia said that a time-honored friendship between the two nations has witnessed fruitful outcomes. "China and Somalia have always enjoyed a long friendship," Qin said during a reception held in Somalia's capital Mogadishu to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Somalia.

The friendship between the two countries has spanned the Maritime Silk Road, and has been passed down from generation to generation, he added.

Qin said that China and Somalia have forged reciprocal political and diplomatic ties that have built trust while extending benefits to the citizens of the two countries.

He said that Somalia lent support to the restoration of China's seat at the United Nations in 1971, adding that Beijing on its part has rallied behind the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Horn of African state.

According to Qin, China has helped Somalia build more than 80 projects, covering infrastructure, livelihoods, healthcare, education, sports, agriculture and water supply since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

"The Chinese government has provided food aid, humanitarian aid, developing aid, cash aid and so on," said Qin, adding Beijing has sent 13 batches of medical teams to Somalia to help treat thousands of civilians.

The envoy said that Beijing has also actively supported Mogadishu in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qin said that Somali youth have benefitted from Chinese government scholarships which have equipped them with skills that are key to hastening their country's reconstruction after decades of civil strife.

"The Somali young students have become a bridge and link for spreading friendship," said Qin, adding that enhanced people to people exchanges combined with robust ties in political, security and economic spheres is key to elevate China-Somalia bilateral cooperation to a new level.

On his part, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo said in a statement that he was committed to strengthening the friendship with China as the Horn of African state embarks on reconstruction.

"Somalia will always remain a friend of the People's Republic of China in facing the challenges of the future ahead of us," said Farmajo.