Somalia offers apology, seeks China's help

Somali soldiers stand near the ruins of the Jazeera Palace Hotel after Sunday's suicide bombing attack in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, July 29, 2015. [Photo by Hou Liqiang/chinadaily.com.cn]

While expressing their apologies after a recent terrorist attack in Somali capital Mogadishu, which killed one Chinese embassy's security staff, Somali officials said they believe this incident will not affect China's relationship with Somali, and the rooting-out of terrorism in Somali needs the collaboration of international community, including China, who has long and sincere relationship with the terrorism-stricken country.

The officials made the comment at Aden Adde International Airport on Wednesday in Mogadishu while bidding farewell to the Chinese security official killed in the explosion on July 26. The attack also claimed lives of 14 other people. They said the body of the victim will be transported on Wednesday afternoon to Kenya capital Nairobi, from where it will be sent back to China.

The incident happened when an attacker drove a car rigged with bombs into the building of Jazeera Palace Hotel, where the Chinese embassy is based, setting off an explosion. Another three embassy staff members were injured.

"This was very sad and I offer my deepest condolence to the People's Republic of China and to the family and friends of the victims. We are deeply concerned what with what has happened and were worried about the Chinese staff when the incident took place," said Mohammed Awil, former ambassador to China.

He said Somali government did what it could to help Chinese diplomats. "Immediately, our government sent the ambulances and we communicated with the Chinese diplomats. We helped them and directed them to the nearest hospital to help them," he said.

"It has happened, but it will not affect our relationship between our government and China. It's the opposite. It will strengthen the ties," he said. "We will finish this terrorist group together with the international community, especially China."