Somali official calls for strengthened ties with China

MOGADISHU - The Federal Parliament of Somalia is set to benefit through experience sharing and cooperation with its Chinese counterpart, the Somali parliament speaker, Mohamed Osman Jawari, and Chinese ambassador to Somalia Wei Hongtian said Monday.

Speaking during a meeting between the two officials, Jawari hailed the visit by the Chinese ambassador as a great leap in building cordial relations between the two countries, noting that Somalia and China had long enjoyed close diplomatic ties since Somalia gained its independence in 1961.

"We shared good ideas on how to build the relationship between both parliaments and work together towards a mutual and beneficial relationship," said Jawari.

"It gives me great hope that Somali parliament can learn from the experiences of China, not only in parliamentary processes and procedure but also on use of technology in conducting parliamentary business," added the speaker.

The Chinese ambassador also expressed optimism that restoration of diplomatic ties between China and Somalia will deepen relations between the people of the two countries and contribute towards development.

"I am very happy to meet with the speaker of Somali parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari. We talked about the relationship between China and Somalia, and cooperation between the Chinese and Somalia, " noted Wei.

He thanked the Somali parliament for its effort in the legislation, reconciliation, conflict resolution and good governance.

China reopened its embassy in Somalia and accredited a new ambassador after 23 years since the Somalia collapsed into civil war.