The Chinese embassy in Somalia donated nearly $5 million worth of military hardware, including vehicles, to Somalia. The vehicles and equipment were handed over on March 18 during a ceremony at the Port of Mogadishu. The total value of this batch of supplies is nearly $ 5 million, which includes 5 water wagons, 5 refuellers, 20 off-road trucks, 5 high mobility field ambulances & 22 metal mine detectors, which witnesses once again the development of friendship between China and Somalia. Somalia and China have a long relations in terms of trade, military, culture and language.
His Excellency Ambassador (H.E. Amb) FEI Shengchao, the Minister of Defence of Somalia Hassan Mohomed Amardanbe and the Chief of Somali Armed Forces General?Odowaa?Yusuf?Rage attended the ceremony. H.E. Amb FEI Shengchao said, “The vehicles and equipment will further enhance the mobility, medical and logistical support capabilities of the Somali Armed Forces, save more lives, and contribute to fighting the drought and meeting the challenges in this country.” General Odowa Yusuf Rage said, “Additional equipment will be delivered by China.
In January 1991, the Chinese embassy in Mogadishu closed down operations due to the start of the civil war in Somalia. Despite the departure of most Chinese officials, the two countries maintained a small trading relationship in the ensuing years. Total trade volume in 2002 was US$3.39 million, with Somalia exporting US$1.56 million of goods to China and importing $1.83 million. From 2000 to 2011, approximately seven Chinese development projects were launched in Somalia. These initiatives included $6 million in economic assistance, donation of anti-malaria drugs, and $3 million in debt relief.
On 30 June 2014, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei announced that China would dispatch a diplomatic team on 1 July to reopen the Chinese embassy in Mogadishu. He described the move as both recognition that the Somali authorities were making progress in their national reconstruction efforts and a symbol of the importance that the Chinese government attaches to its bilateral relations with Somalia. On 12 October 2014, the new Chinese embassy officially opened in Mogadishu.