NOUAKCHOTT, May 5 -- China has given Mauritania close to 15 million Euros for the construction of a hospital in the eastern region of Kiffa, an official source said on Sunday.

The hospital's foundation stone was laid on Saturday by Mauritania's Health Minister Ahmedou Ould Hademine Ould Jelvoune and China's ambassador to Mauritania Chen Gonglai.

The hospital with a capacity of 150 beds, will be constructed within the next 36 months by a Chinese company that is already operating in Mauritania.

During the ceremony, Mauritania's health minister pointed out that the project "demonstrated the depth of cooperation between Mauritania and China."

A Chinese medical team has been operating on a permanent basis at the Kiffa hospital in Assaba province, one of the most populated regions of the country.