A number of leading Somali officials are moving to stand in solidarity with China in the wake of this week's deadly terrorist attack in Mogadishu.
Somali parlimentarian Mohamed Omar Dalha says his thoughts are with the victims of the attack.
"We are very sorry for what happened days ago at Al-Jazeera and the damage caused to the Chinese Embassy and other diplomatic compounds in the area. We are very sorry this had to happen to our good friend China. We send our deep condolences to the Chinese government and to the people of China. We have a good relationship with China."
A member of the Chinese Armed Police Force guarding the Chinese embassy in Mogadishu was killed, along with 14 other people, following a massive suicide bombing outside the Al-Jazeera hotel on Sunday.
On top of killing the Chinese guard, the blast also did significant damage to the nearby Chinese embassy.
The Al-Jazeera hotel in Mogadishu is a popular spot for foreign dignitaries and diplomats.
Somali authorities say a German national of Somali decent set off the massive truck bomb on behalf of Somali militant group al-Shabaab.
It's believed the Chinese embassy was not the direct target.
