Mogadishu(SONNA)-Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Fei Shangchao on Wednesday handed over the flood relief assistance to Mr. Mahamud Moallim, Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) provided by Chinese government. China is the first country to provide direct humanitarian assistance to Somalia since the severe floods hit the country.
Ambassador Fei said that the Chinese government and people have witnessed Somalia suffering from severe floods, which has caused heavy casualties and property losses, with empathetic feelings. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
“China has decided to provide 1 million yuan (about 140000 USD) emergency assistance to Somalia in cash. In addition, more than 1000 tons of emergency food aid will arrive soon to support Somali disaster relief efforts. These represent the concrete moves of implementing the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. China calls on the international community to jointly provide necessary support and assistance to Somalia. We believe that with the joint efforts of the Somali government and people, people affected by floods will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes soon”, he said.
Moallim thanked the Chinese government for its generous assistance and said that the Chinese assistance was very timely. The Somali side will properly use Chinese assistance and provide relief to people affected by disaster in a timely manner.
