China donates 151,000 USD to boost aid delivery in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) on Sunday received a 150,996-U.S.-dollar donation from China to support delivery of emergency aid to victims of conflict and national disasters in the country.

Mahamud Moallim Abdulle, SoDMA commissioner, hailed China for the donation, stressing the vitality of the long term relationship between the two nations.

"The Chinese government and the people of Somalia share historical supportive relations and solidarity and it is not the first time we received such donations," Abdulle said in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

Fei Shengchao, the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, said the support for victims of disasters and strife shows Beijing's commitment to strengthen cooperation with Mogadishu.

"As we all know China and Somalia have a long standing relationship that has withstood the test of times and changes in the region and international arena," Fei said.

The donation comes amid warning from the United Nations that a credible risk of famine persists among displaced and pastoral populations in the areas of Somalia that were worst impacted by the recent drought.