Wade sees better prospects for Senegal-China co-op

Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade holds confidence in furthering ties with China, saying the cooperation between the two countries has broadened prospects for the future.

After receiving the letter of credentials presented by the new Chinese ambassador to Senegal, Gong Yuanxing, who arrived in Dakar on Nov. 5, the Senegalese head of state said he was satisfied with the Senegal-China cooperation since the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2005.

"China has honored all her commitments that she undertook in the accord of re-establishment of relations between the two countries and in fact she has gone beyond. She has helped Senegal in many different ways in her development," President Wade told the new Chinese ambassador.

Wade reiterated his approval of China's policy towards Africa and aid measures announced by his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao during the China-Africa summit held in Beijing in 2006.

He hailed the fourth African-Sino ministerial conference concluded recently in Egypt as of great importance to Africa. "China understands Africa, helps Africa and comes side by side with her in development," he said.

On his part, the Chinese diplomat expressed optimism that "thanks to great efforts by the two heads of state and the diligent support of their peoples, the friendly Sino-Senegalese cooperation will yield more abundant fruits.

Ambassador Gong, who is serving the sixth post in Africa, affirmed to President Wade that he will not spare any effort to further enhance the cooperation between the two countries and the friendly ties between the Chinese and the Senegalese peoples.

The Chinese-funded projects in Senegal, which have been completed or are still underway, include a grand national theatre, the repair of 11 regional stadia, a power network on the outskirts of Dakar, a medical center for fighting malaria and a paediatric hospital.

Source:Xinhua