On 22 November, H.E. Fei Shengchao, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, handed over the flood relief assistance provided by Chinese government to Mr. Mahamuud Moallim, Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). China is the first country to provide direct humanitarian assistance to Somalia since the severe floods hit the country. This is already the third time this year for China to support Somalia in humanitarian needs. Back to 2021, China was the first country to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Somalia.

Ambassador Fei said severe floods have hit Somalia hard and affected many communities. As China was also hit hard by floods in the North and North East this summer, we Chinese feel the sufferings and pains as Somalis do. A friend in need is a friend indeed. China has decided to provide 1 million yuan emergency cash assistance and 15 million yuan worth of food aid to Somalia in the wake of the floods and other emergencies. This is just another action of China in following through on the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. China calls on the international community to jointly hands and provide necessary support and assistance to Somalia. We believe with joint efforts of Somali government, Somali people and international community, those affected by floods will overcome the difficulties and rebuild their lives.

Commissioner Moallim thanked the Chinese government for its generous and timely assistance. China shares weal and woe with Somalia and is a true friend of Somalia. The Somali side will make the best of Chinese assistance and provide relief and support to the affected people in a timely manner.