Chinese peacekeeping contingent ends its mission in Mali

China's contribution to peace and stability in Mali has been hailed at the end of the mission of its third contingent of 395 peacekeepers that it deployed to the West African nation.

"Chinese peacekeepers have boarded a plane back to China, happy that they have accomplished their mission of supporting Mali in restoring peace," a statement from the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said Monday.

They have been replaced by peacekeepers of the fourth contingent.

Mohamed El-Amine Souef, head of the UN mission in northern Mali town of Gao, gave each of the departing peacekeepers a "certificate of appreciation" for the contribution they made in the last 12 months in Gao region, the statement revealed.

The statement added that Souef had not only hailed China's support for peace and stabilization in Mali, but also its important role at the UN Security Council.

Prior to the departure of the contingent, a high level Chinese military delegation led by Col. Li Xinhua visited MINUSMA offices to evaluate the contribution and work accomplished by the said contingent in Mali.

"On behalf of the Chinese government, we thank you for the recognition of the contribution made by Chinese peacekeepers," Li said after receiving the certificate of appreciation.

Source: XINHUA