Beijing, 26 September 2022 (TDI): The Ambassador of China to Somalia, Fei Shengchao, affirmed China’s support to Somalia through drought response, food aid and development endeavours.
We know ourselves how it feels to be disadvantaged and hungry. We had similar sufferings & we don’t want others to go through the distressing & discouraging ordeal. We will continue to support Somalis in drought response & development endeavors. 🇨🇳 food aid’s arriving. https://t.co/SPuCkIxH0R
— FEI Shengchao费胜潮 (@FeiShengchao) September 26, 2022
In a statement, the Chinese Ambassador said, “We know how it feels to be disadvantaged and hungry. We had similar sufferings and we don’t want others to go through the distressing and discouraging ordeal. We will continue to support Somalia in drought response and through China’s food aid.”
Earlier this month, China also called upon members of the international community for a quicker humanitarian response to help prevent disaster in Somalia. Furthermore, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Dai Bing, highlighted the Somalian issue during the UN Security Council meeting.
During the meeting, China called for emergency funding from the UN and other countries from the Horn of Africa to relieve the drought situation. China further added that technologies such as unmanned harvesters, spraying drones and satellite positioning could be used in Somalia to rebuild a sustainable environment in the country.
If such technologies could be used in Somalia enjoying a peaceful and stable environment, Somalia with two major rivers will no longer suffer from famines but become a granary for the Horn of Africa. https://t.co/aV8vUDcSfc
— FEI Shengchao费胜潮 (@FeiShengchao) September 26, 2022
Also read: Foreign Minister of China attends BRICS Foreign Minister’s Meeting
Efforts to avert famine
Dai Bing added that China recognizes the efforts of the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the appointment of the Special Envoy for Drought Response to carry out humanitarian aid. Further, he recognized that Somalia suffers from multiple challenges including the risk of famine, food security and malnutrition.
China’s Deputy Permanent Representative highlighted China’s exchange of notes about emergency food aid with Somalia in June. He added that the emergency food would accelerate the humanitarian aid process in Somalia.
Moreover, Dai also called for the promotion of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to help Somalia through debt relief.
The Chinese representative said that security is another challenge facing the new government. He added that China encourages President Mohamud to prioritize counterterrorism and army reconstruction to gradually take responsibility for national security.
Moreover, Dai said according to the UN Security Council resolution, the Secretary-General will submit three reports. These include the strategic evaluation of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia, to the Security Council. Lastly, he added that China hopes the opinions of Somalia and other African Union countries can be considered when coordinating the new Somali government policies.
