The government of China has pledged to work with the Federal Government of Somalia on the peace building process. In an interview with the Somali National News Agency (SONNA), the Chinese ambassador to Somalia, Qin Jian, said his government was committed to supporting the Somali government in its efforts to rebuild the nation, which is recovering from an over two decade year old civil war.
He noted the Chinese government was already supporting Somalia in preserving its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. The ambassador said China and Somalia enjoy a long history of friendship and pointed out that China was involved in trade partnership with Somalia.
Jian further observed the Chinese government had built over 89 infrastructural projects in Somalia including hospitals, stadiums, and roads: “Since the diplomatic relations between Somalia and China were established, our relations with Somalia have been getting stronger each day. The Chinese government has so far implemented 89 projects locally, including the construction of Mogadishu stadium, Benadir Mother and Child Hospital and the country’s national theatre.”
Only four days, the Chinese government separately shipped into the country 8,700 tons of rice. China is also among the few countries supporting Somalia in the education sector. Over the last three years, the Asian country has provided scholarships to over 100 Somali students. Last year, 50 Somali students from across the country benefited from China’s Scholarships, according to the FGS.
