Chinese warships ready to sail for Somalia

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-26-2008 08:55

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Two Chinese warships will soon set sail for Somalia to join the international efforts to stop piracy off the coast of the east African nation.

Photo taken on Dec. 25, 2008 shows the Chinese Navy's supply  ship Weishanhu in Sanya, capital of South China's Hainan  Province. The Chinese Navy's three-ship fleet awaiting  sail to waters off Somalia has finished its preparations  for the overseas deployment, the fleet commander said  Thursday.(Xinhua Photo)

Somalia's Ambassador to China says his country and people welcome China's move and will work closely with Chinese navy to fight against piracy.

Two missile destroyers and a support vessel will leave for Somalia from Sanya in the southern Chinese island province of Hainan on Friday. It will be the first time Chinese warships will patrol outside of Chinese waters.

Somalia's Ambassador to China says his country supports China's action and regards it as part of China's responsibility as a member of the UN security council.

Somalia's Ambassador to China Mohammed Awil said, "China is part of the international community, China is a member of the Security Council collective effort to fight against piracy. The issue of the piracy is no longer the Somalia issue, but an international issue. We will work closely with Chinese navy."

Last week, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the international community to take an active role in the fight against piracy off the Somali coast.