Chinese ambassador to leave Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Qin Jian, the Chinese ambassador to Somalia, will leave the country after years of service, which saw him broaden the relationship between Mogadishu and Beijing, with economic prosperity being one of his major achievements in the Horn of Africa nation.

While there is a lot of Turkish and Qatar presence in Somalia, the Chinese has been gradually making inroads to the country, something which is greatly credited to Qin Jian, a seasoned diplomat from the communist state of China.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation held a farewell party for the seasoned diplomat for Qin Jian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Federal Republic of Somalia, on the occasion of the end of his term, state media reported.

During the ceremony, Balal Mohamed Osman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation praised the outstanding efforts made by His Excellency the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Federal Republic of Somalia during his tenure in Somalia, which contributed to the development of cooperation relations between the two countries and upgrading them to broader horizons in a way that meets the common interests of both countries and the two friendly peoples.

Qin Jian expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to the State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and to all officials in the Federal Republic of Somalia for the support and cooperation he received that contributed to the success of his work, wishing Somalia continued progress and prosperity.

At the end of the ceremony, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation presented to His Excellency the outgoing Chinese ambassador in Somalia a souvenir on this occasion, wishing him all success in his future work.

Last year, both China and Somalia were caught in a mix after the secessionist state of Somaliland formalized ties with the Republic of China [Taiwan], leading to an onslaught from both Mogadishu and Beijing. The two countries termed the relationship "illegal".

But Somaliland and Taiwan have both sent representatives to their respective regions a move which Somalia and China vowed to have crushed. While Hargeisa is fighting for international recognition, Taipei, which is also claimed by China, has often maintained that it's a sovereign state.

GAROWE ONLINE