Mogadishu, February 27, 2024 – In a gesture of goodwill and friendship, the government of Somalia has allocated more land to the embassy of China in Somalia, to facilitate the construction of a new and spacious embassy with various departments and services.
The allocation ceremony took place on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, and was attended by high-ranking officials from both sides. The minister of transport and civil aviation of Somalia, Mrs Fardowsa Isman Egal, handed over the land to the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Chen Wendi. Other officials present at the ceremony included the director of civil aviation Ahmed Maalin Hassan, the director of the airport authority Mohamed Said Abdullahi, and officials from the ministry of foreign affairs of Somalia.
The minister of transport and civil aviation of Somalia, Mrs Fardowsa Isman Egal, said that the allocation was made to support the historical bilateral relation between Somalia and China, and to acknowledge China’s contribution to the development and humanitarian assistance of Somalia. She also urged the organizations occupying the land to relocate quickly and make way for the construction of the new Chinese embassy. She said that the new embassy will improve the Chinese embassy’s services to the public, such as visa processing and trade facilitation.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Chen Wendi, expressed his gratitude and acceptance of the allocation. He said that the new land will help the embassy to expand its functions and to better serve the interests of both countries. He also thanked the minister Fardowsa, the officials from the ministry of foreign affairs, the civil aviation and the airport authority of Somalia for their cooperation and support.
He said that the allocation will strengthen the cooperation and brotherly relation between Somalia and China, and that China will continue to stand by Somalia in its pursuit of peace and prosperity.
The allocation of more land to the Chinese embassy reflects the deep and longstanding partnership between Somalia and China, which dates back to the 1960s. China has been a major partner in the construction of important institutions in Somalia, including hospitals, stadiums, national theatre and government buildings. China has also provided relief assistance to the people of Somalia on multiple occasions, especially during the droughts and famines that have affected the country. China has also offered scholarships to Somali students to pursue higher education in China.
Somalia and China share a common vision of promoting regional stability and development, and have cooperated on various issues of mutual interest, such as counter-terrorism, piracy, trade and investment. The two countries have also supported each other in international forums, such as the United Nations and the African Union.
The new Chinese embassy in Somalia will be a symbol of the friendship and solidarity between the two countries, and will serve as a platform for further enhancing their cooperation and communication.
