Mogadishu(SONNA)-Somalia’s Ministry of Humaniterian Affairs and Disaster Management on Saturday said that it received 4 million dollar worth supplies of humanitarian assistance from People’s Republic of China here in the capital Mogadishu, SONNA reported.
Khadijo Mohamed Diriye, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management commended China’s continuous and kind support to the people and Government.
She said the humanitarian supplies from China included 10,000 tents, 5,0000 mosquito nets, 20000 aid kits and thousands of baby weight scales, stethoscopes and thermometers.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Somalia, I am thanking our brotherly country of China for providing key equipment for handling humanitarian situation in our country. This humanitarian assistance is very helpful and arrived at right time in need”, Ms. Diriye said during the handing over ceremony at a warehouse near Mogadishu port.
Fei Shengchao,Chinese Ambassador to Somalia said that Chinese and Somalis had a time-honored and tested friendship that could date back centuries. Both China and Somalia are prone to natural disasters
“The pandemic has taken its toll on humanitarian support worldwide. For these supplies, the cost of production has gone up 15% and the cost of shipment has soared seven times, from 2000 US dollars a container to 14000 US dollars each. To deliver the 4 million dollar worth supplies, the Chinese have paid an additional 1 million dollars to cover the rising cost of production and shipment. That’s the Chinese way of helping others. We live up to our promise and we deliver what we say”, Mr. Fei stated.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our friends, Chinese and Somalis, and Madam Minister in particular, for your great efforts to help make it happen. There may be a lot of supplies in the warehouse, but we know there are more people out there waiting for help and support. The handover is just another helping hand extended. Many more challenges still lie ahead and many more helping hands will reach out to the needed.
The Chinese and Somalis are well-known for our compassion for each other and for our resilience at difficult times. I believe as long as we have the company and support of each other and other international partners, we will be even more confident and resolved to overcome the difficulties and rebuild our homes and lives sooner rather than later.
The two countries enjoy long historic friendship and their diplomatic relations started on December 14, 1960.
