On 11th September 2017, Ambassador Qin Jian met with the new Minister of Public Works and Reconstruction of Somalia Mr. Sadiq Abdullahi Abdi.
Abdi thanked China for its support for public works and reconstruction of Somalia over the year. He listed the landmark projects built by China in Somalia, and said these projects are witnesses of the friendship between the two countries.”Since the new government of Somalia took office, we have attached great importance to infrastructure and public works of the country. We believe this is the key to creating jobs, eliminating poverty and solving the Somalia question. The Ministry of Public Works and Reconstruction has made a revitalization plan, and hopes the Chinese side could give support and assistance to us”, Mr. Abdi said.
Ambassador Qin pointed out that Somalia has unique advantages for development, and there are great potentials for the cooperation between China and Somalia. He said the Somali side should explore a path of development suited to its own characteristics in accordance with its national conditions, and build self-development capacity to promote sustainable development. Ambassador Qin briefed Mr. Abdi on China’s economic development and national revitalization in the early years of the country’s reform and opening-up to the outside world, and expressed willingness to exchange experience with the Somali side in state governing and development with a view to promoting the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.