Body of Chinese Peacekeeper Being Flown back to China

Photo taken on June 8, 2016 shows a plane carrying the body of Chinese peacekeeper Shen Liangliang who was killed in an attack in Mali has taken off for China from the Mali capital of Bamako. [Photo: Xinhua]

A plane carrying the body of Chinese peacekeeper Shen Liangliang who was killed in an attack in Mali has taken off for China from the Mali capital of Bamako.

The United Nations' Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali had previously held a memorial service to commemorate Shen.

Mahamane Toure, chief of general staff of Mali's armed forces was present at the memorial.

"He died not only for China, but he died for Mali because he came a long way from China to make sure that we contribute to peace and security of our country. So we are not only thankful, but we are grateful and we mourn with his family."

The twenty-nine-year-old was killed in a terrorist attack on the MINUSMA camp in central Mali's Gao region last month.

Four other Chinese peacekeepers were injured in the attack.

Following the attacks, China sent a special working group to Gao to aid the peacekeepers there. The team is now back in Bamako.

Chinese ambassador to Mali Lu Huiying has promised greater support to the peacekeepers in the conflict area.

"When the working group came back, they informed us that the Chinese peacekeepers are in serious shortage of basic supplies. The embassy is trying what we can to raise relief supplies and sending them to Gao so that our peacekeepers will have better living conditions and be able to complete their mission."

The injured Chinese peacekeepers have arrived in Bamako for further treatment.