Recently, a Chinese fishing boat was illegally hijacked by armed militants in the waters off the state of Punjab in Somalia. Through unremitting efforts from all parties, the hijacked ship and crew were safely rescued on March 2nd. The Chinese side strongly condemns this serious and malignant incident that endangers the lives and safety of crew members and international maritime security. We will continue to take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of overseas Chinese citizens and enterprises, and work together with relevant parties to safeguard international maritime security.

During the process of resolving the incident, China maintained close communication and coordination with the federal and local governments of Somalia. The Somali side reiterates that Chinese fishing vessels operating in Somali waters have obtained prior permission from the federal and local governments of Somalia, which is completely legal and compliant. The cooperation between the two sides has effectively brought benefits to the people of both countries. The Somali side attaches great importance to China's security concerns and is willing to continue deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as fisheries between Somalia and China.

The traditional friendship between China and Somalia is profound, and any attempt to undermine or interfere with the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Somalia will not succeed. China will continue to enhance pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in various fields, consolidate and deepen traditional friendship, and promote new progress in the strategic partnership between China and Somalia.

(This article is transferred from the official official account of the Chinese Embassy in Somalia)Editor/Yang Meiling