Somali Official: Terrorist Attack Won't Affect China-Somalia Relations

A picture taken on July 26, 2015 shows the damaged Jazeera Palace Hotel following a suicide attack in Mogadishu. [Photo: CFP]

Saturday, August 1, 2015

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Senior officials in Somalia are downplaying any suggestions this week's terrorist attack in Mogadishu may affect ties between China and Somalia.

A suicide bomber detonated a massive truck-bomb outside a hotel complex where the Chinese embassy is headquartered, killing a member of the Chinese Armed Police Force guarding the facility.

He is among 15 people killed in the massive blast.

Speaking to CRI in Mogadishu, Somali Foreign Affairs Minister Abdisalam Omer says they don't believe ties between China and Somalia will be impacted by the incident.

"Long relationships that China and Somalia had - it has stood the test of time. There might be as many as 5,000 Somali traders that are based in Guangzhou and other cities that have sent everything that we use in Eat Africa, not only in Somalia. This will not have a lasting impact or even short term impact. "

At the same time, China's Ambassador to Somalia, Wei Hongtian, says the scope of the attack is something no one could have anticipated.

"We picked the Jazeera Hotel as our headquarters because it was known for its enhanced security measures. We also strengthened our safety provisions earlier this year with the addition of blast walls. But the magnitude of this attack was unimaginable, and we were quite disturbed by it. The blast severely impacted the hotel and our offices. I am especially saddened by the loss of one of our security officers and the injuries suffered by many others."

Wei adds the Chinese embassy will continue its work in Somalia and that China is committed to further enhance bilateral relations with Somalia.

Somali militant group al-Shabaab has claimed responsiblity for the attack, which was carried out by a German national of Somali decent.

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