China to re-open Somalia embassy

MK254 · 2014-06-30T14:17:13+00:00

China will re-open its embassy in strife-torn Somalia after a 23-year absence as Beijing extends its diplomatic and resources push into Africa. Beijing and Mogadishu established diplomatic ties in 1960, but China withdrew its diplomatic personnel and shut down its mission as the East African country descended into civil war in 1991. The two maintained diplomatic relations despite the lack of a physical embassy. The Shabaab fled fixed positions in Mogadishu three years ago, and have since lost most large towns to the African Union, fighting alongside government soldiers. The country has established its first government and parliament in 20 years, and Beijing will send a "re-opening group" on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular briefing. DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES "It is fair to say that Somalia has entered a new age of national reconstruction which presents new development opportunities to the bilateral relations between China and Somalia," Hong said. The re-opening "signals China's importance to Somalia", he added. China, the world's second-largest economy, has for years been making diplomatic and economic inroads in Africa as it seeks new markets and sources of raw materials. It is believed Somalia could have significant oil reserves. KEY INVESTOR China has become a key investor in several African countries including war-torn nations such as South Sudan and in May Chinese premier Li Keqiang made a four-country tour of the continent. But Somalia's security situation remains delicate, and extremist fighters still regularly launch guerrilla raids. At least two people were reported killed Monday and seven wounded when a bomb exploded in a busy Mogadishu market at the start of Islam's holy month of Ramadan. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but al-Shabaab have carried out a string of similar bombings, and have vowed to increase attacks during Ramadan. China to re-open Somalia embassy - Africa - nation.co.ke CC: FaizaFoxy and team

Thread starter MK254
Start date Jun 30, 2014

MK254

JF-Expert Member

Jun 30, 2014

Last edited by a moderator: Jan 4, 2016

You must log in or register to reply here.

Facebook X Bluesky LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp Email Link

General Forums
International Forum

Our Community

JamiiCheck
JamiiVoices
JamiiStories
JamiiData
JamiiCourses
JamiiShop
JamiiSocial
Premium Content
Start Discussion

Regional Communities

Tanzania
Uganda
Kenya

JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.

Accept Learn more…

Back

Top Bottom

Forums

New posts