China donates USD1.2 million to support the AU Mission in Somalia

Commissioner Chergui expresses appreciation for China’s strategic partnership for peace in Africa [caption id="attachment_20522" align="alignleft" width="300"] China’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and AU Gu Xiaojie with AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Amb. Smail Chergui[/caption] The Government of the People’s Republic of China has donated USD 1.2 million to support the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The grant documents were signed at AU Headquarters, on 07 September 2015, by the Commissioner for Peace and Security, Amb. Smail Chergui, and China’s Permanent Observer to the African Union, Amb. Kuang Weilin. Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Chergui thanked the Chinese Government for the grant and recalled, with gratitude, that in September 2014, China donated USD two million to support the AU’s efforts to fight the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, and in January 2015, China again donated USD 1.2 million to the AU Peace Fund. On behalf of the Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the Commissioner re-stated Africa’s sincere appreciation for China’s strategic partnership for peace, security and stability in Africa. “This latest grant will help enhance the heroic efforts of Africa’s soldiers for peace in Somalia,” he added. On his part, Ambassador Kuang Weilin reassured Commissioner Chergui that China will continue to stand with Africa, as the continent strives to rid itself of conflict and achieve sustainable development and prosperity for its people. The Commissioner and the Chinese Ambassador exchanged views on a wide range of current peace and security situations and issues in Africa, including international efforts to resolve the conflict in South Soudan. AUC]]>