Somalia welcomes possible naval escort operations by China

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-19-2008 09:20

Somalia's Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Jama welcomed the news that China is seriously considering sending its navy to Somali waters for escort operations.

Pirates have hijacked some 40 ships this year in the waters  off Somalia.

Jama's statement was response to an announcement by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei, at a ministerial meeting of the UN Security Council on Somali piracy on Tuesday.

Pirates have hijacked some 40 ships this year in the waters off Somalia. They are currently holding about 15 vessels and their crew, despite a growing number of international patrols to stop the attacks.

Editor:Zhang Ning